The National Sports Governance Act 2025: Our Analysis of the Draft Rules

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 marks a landmark in Indian sports law — the first time India has a dedicated, specialised, and enforceable legislative framework for sports governance and dispute resolution. Over 350 legal disputes across sports bodies have been pending in various courts. The Act is designed to channel these into a single, expert tribunal. In October 2025, MYAS released three sets of draft Rules: for the National Sports Tribunal, for National Sports Bodies, and for the National Sports Board. AM Sports Law submitted formal comments in November 2025.

The National Sports Tribunal: Jurisdiction Must Be Clearly Defined

The Act contemplates "independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of sports-related disputes" by the National Sports Tribunal (NST). Section 22 provides for the transfer of pending matters from district courts and High Courts to the NST where a National Sports Body is a party. But the current Tribunal Rules do not define or categorise "sports-related disputes" with sufficient clarity.

Without a clear jurisdictional definition, the NST will face constant preliminary challenges from parties disputing whether their matter falls within its scope. We recommended that the Rules explicitly enumerate the categories of disputes over which the NST may exercise jurisdiction — including selection disputes, anti-doping appeals, governance and election disputes, and contractual disputes between sports bodies and athletes or commercial partners.

Composition and Expertise of the Tribunal

A sports tribunal's credibility depends on the expertise of its members. We recommended that the NST include not just judicial members but sports law practitioners, sports scientists, and individuals with actual sports governance experience. The current Rules are underspecified on the composition requirements for technical members. This is not a minor administrative detail — it will determine whether the tribunal commands the respect of athletes, federations, and international bodies.

National Sports Bodies: Governance Standards

The Sports Bodies Rules set out governance standards for recognised national sports bodies. We flagged two gaps. First, the conflict of interest provisions need sharper enforcement teeth — disclosure alone is insufficient where a board member has a commercial interest in a matter before the body. Mandatory recusal and independent scrutiny of recusal decisions are required. Second, athlete representation on governance bodies — a core principle of the IOC's governance framework — needs to be made substantive rather than advisory. Athletes must have a genuine vote, not just a voice.

The National Sports Board: Residual Powers Need Guardrails

The Board Rules establish the National Sports Board with broad powers, including "residue" and "relaxation" powers that allow the government significant discretion in the sector. These powers are necessary for administrative flexibility but need circumscribing. We recommended that any exercise of residue or relaxation powers be accompanied by a written rationale, advance notice to affected stakeholders, and publication in the public domain. Without these guardrails, the independence of the NST and NSBs from executive intervention will be structurally compromised.

Conclusion

The Act and its Rules represent the most serious attempt India has made to professionalise sports governance and dispute resolution. Our submissions were made in the spirit the Ministry invited — to make these rules as effective as possible before they come into force. The opportunity to get this right, before the NST begins hearing matters and before the governance standards are tested in practice, should not be missed.