Centre notifies National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026
The Union Government notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, the Sports Ministry said on 12 January 2026.
Summary
The National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, notified by the Union Government under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, were announced by the Sports Ministry on 12 January 2026. The Rules set the framework for including Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs), the composition of General Bodies and Executive Committees, elections and disqualification in National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations. They require at least four SOMs in each General Body, with 50% of them women, and let each body reserve Executive Committee posts for women through its bye-laws. An SOM applicant must be at least 25, retired from active sport, and must not have played in selection-linked competition for at least a year.
Key facts
- Rules
- National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026
- Parent law
- National Sports Governance Act, 2025
- SOMs in General Body
- At least four; 50% women
- Women in Executive Committee
- At least four (per Act); posts may be reserved via bye-laws
- SOM eligibility
- Age 25+; retired; no selection-linked competition for 1 year
- Also covers
- National Sports Election Panel; affiliate registration with National Sports Board
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Under which Act were the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 notified?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — National Sports Governance Act, 2025
PIB (Sports): the Rules were notified under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
Under the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, what share of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit in a General Body must be women?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Fifty per cent
PIB (Sports): the Rules provide for at least four SOMs in General Bodies and specifically provide for fifty per cent women SOMs.
What is the minimum age for a sportsperson applying to be designated a Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) under the 2026 Rules?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 25 years
PIB (Sports): SOM applicants must be at least 25, retired from active sport, and must not have played selection-linked competition for at least one year.