Govt notifies Rules for National Sports Board and National Sports Tribunal

The Government of India has notified the National Sports Board Rules and National Sports Tribunal Rules. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Department of Sports) published two gazette notifications on 22nd May 2026, laying down the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 and the National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026. Both sets of rules came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 

National Sports Board

The National Sports Board Rules 2026 lay down about the composition, powers and functions, tenure, salaries, etc. of the members, as reflected below: 

Composition 

The Central Government will appoint a Chairperson and two Members to the National Sports Board from a panel recommended by a Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted under the National Sports Board (Search-cum-Selection Committee) Rules, 2026. 

Tenure 

The Chairperson and each Member will hold office for three years from the date of assumption of charge, or until they reach the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier. They are eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. During their tenure, neither the Chairperson nor any Member may hold any position in an International Sports Body, National Sports Body, affiliate unit, or National Sports Promotion Organisation. 

Salary 

Two salary tracks are prescribed. For persons appointed on deputation from a Central or State Government, statutory body, or autonomous organisation, pay will be equivalent to that of a Secretary to the Government of India (for the Chairperson) or an Additional Secretary (for Members). All other appointees may choose between the same pay scales or a consolidated monthly salary of ₹5,62,500 (Chairperson) and ₹5,00,000 (Members), without house or car entitlement. 

Removal 

The Central Government may remove the Chairperson or any Member on grounds of insolvency, conviction involving moral turpitude, physical or mental incapacity, or acquisition of a conflicting financial interest. Removal on grounds of incapacity or conflicting interest requires a reasonable opportunity for the member to make a representation. 

Powers and Functions of the National Sports Board 

Beyond the functions prescribed under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, the Board is required to maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel and a register of affiliate units of National Sports Bodies registered with it. Both documents are declared public documents within the meaning of section 74 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. 

The Board may additionally specify model guidelines for sports governance, consult relevant stakeholders, recommend adoption of international best practices, and organise training programmes and seminars in collaboration with international sports bodies. 

The Board's annual accounts must be prepared in the form prescribed by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, submitted for audit within three months of the financial year's close, and thereafter placed before each House of Parliament. 

National Sports Tribunal

The National Sports Tribunal Rules 2026 lay down about the composition, powers and functions, tenure, salaries, etc. of the members, as reflected below: 

Tenure 

The Chairperson of the Tribunal holds office for five years or until reaching seventy years of age, whichever is earlier. Members hold office for five years or until reaching sixty-seven years, whichever is earlier. Both are eligible for one re-appointment term. Where the appointee is a serving judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, or a member of an organised service, they must resign or obtain voluntary retirement from their parent service before joining the Tribunal. 

Salary 

The Chairperson receives a fixed monthly salary of ₹2,50,000 and each Member ₹2,25,000. If the appointee is already drawing a pension, the pension amount is deducted from the salary. After leaving office, neither the Chairperson nor any Member may practise before the Tribunal. For two years post-departure, they are barred from accepting employment in the management or administration of any person or body governed by the National Sports Governance Act, with an exception for employment under Central or State Government, local authority, or a statutory or government company. 

Powers of the Tribunal 

The Tribunal may pass such orders or issue such directions as may be necessary to meet the ends of justice or prevent abuse of process. In addition to the powers specified in section 24 of Sports Governance Act, it may pass interim orders, including an injunction (a direction restraining a party from acting) or a stay (a direction to halt proceedings), after affording the concerned parties an opportunity of hearing. The order of the Tribunal is executable as a decree of a civil court and is deemed a final decree once the appeal period expires. 

Digital Implementation 

The Central Government may notify a portal for digital implementation of the Tribunal Rules, enabling e-filing of disputes and documents, virtual hearings, and electronic publication of orders. Once the portal is notified, all orders will be digitally signed and communicated electronically to all parties.