Provisions
Definitions
The Act defines key terms including National Sports Body, National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federation, Regional Sports Federation, National Sports Board, ad hoc administrative body, affiliate unit, sportsperson of outstanding merit, and International Charters and Statutes.
National Sports Governing Bodies
The Act provides for the establishment of:
Each national body must affiliate with its respective international body, have state and district affiliate units, form an Executive Committee (max. 15 members) with at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit, two athlete representatives, and four women, and create Ethics, Dispute Resolution, and Athletes Committees. Terms are limited to three consecutive terms with a mandatory cooling-off period, subject to international rules on age and tenure.
National Sports Board (NSB)
The Act empowers the central government to establish the NSB as the apex recognition and regulatory authority for sports bodies. Its functions include:
- Granting, renewing, suspending, or cancelling recognition,
- Maintaining a register of bodies and affiliates,
- Conducting inquiries into governance, athlete welfare, and misuse of funds,
- Issuing guidelines for Codes of Ethics and Safe Sports Policies,
- Constituting ad hoc administrative bodies in cases of recognition loss,
- Maintaining a National Sports Election Panel roster.
Only recognised bodies may receive central government funding. NSB members are appointed on the recommendation of a search-cum-selection committee.
Safe Sports Policy and Code of Ethics
The NSB must frame a Safe Sports Policy to protect women, minors, and other vulnerable participants. Each national body must adopt a Code of Ethics aligned with international bodies, ensuring standards of conduct, integrity, and safeguarding.
Privileges and Duties
Recognised sports organisations:
- May receive government grants,
- Must comply with the Act and international statutes,
- Are deemed public authorities under the Right to Information Act, 2005 in respect of their statutory functions.
Elections
The central government will notify a National Sports Election Panel of experienced former election officials to oversee fair elections in national bodies and their affiliates. National bodies must also maintain panels for state and district affiliate elections.
National Sports Tribunal
The Act establishes a tribunal comprising:
- A chairperson (Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court),
- Two eminent members with sports, public administration, or legal expertise.
It adjudicates sports disputes, except those under international event jurisdiction, internal disputes, doping matters, or matters reserved to other bodies. Appeals lie to the Supreme Court unless international statutes require appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Use of National Names and Insignia
Sports organisations using “India”, “Indian”, “National”, or national insignia in their name, logo, or activities require central government approval. Only authorised bodies may field teams representing India.
Miscellaneous
The Act:
- Creates the National Sports Board Fund,
- Requires audited accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor-General,
- Empowers the central government to promote and develop sports, make rules, grant exemptions, issue directions, and resolve conflicts between domestic law and international statutes.
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