Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the new framework aims to establish two key institutions: the National Sports Board and the National Sports Tribunal. According to the Union Minister, the National Sports Tribunal will serve as a “single-window mechanism” for sports-related disputes.

The National Sports Board will oversee the recognition of National Sports Bodies and monitor compliance with governance, financial and ethical standards. The Board will comprise a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the Central government on the recommendation of a Search-cum-Selection Committee.

The National Sports Tribunal will function as a specialised adjudicatory body for a speedy and independent resolution of sports-related disputes. The objective is to reduce the burden on civil courts and ensure efficient disposal of disputes related to sports governance and administration.

Digital Governance

The rules also introduce digital governance mechanisms. The Centre will launch a dedicated online portal for the submission of disputes, notices, replies, documents, and clarifications. 

The Tribunal will also conduct virtual hearings, publish orders online, and maintain digital records of proceedings.

What Existed Earlier?

Until now, India has not had a unified and independent national legal framework for sports governance and dispute resolution. Various sports federations functioned under their own internal systems, while most disputes eventually reached the courts. 

The primary guideline for National Sports Federations (NSFs) was the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. Recognition of sports bodies, elections, age limits, and tenure-related issues were governed under the Sports Code. 

However, the Sports Code did not provide a legally binding independent tribunal mechanism. Athletes, coaches, associations, and officials often had to directly approach courts for dispute resolution. Political interference, lack of transparency, election disputes, selection controversies, and corruption allegations frequently resulted in prolonged legal battles within sports federations. 

Why Did The Need Arise?

Over the last few years, India’s sports ecosystem has witnessed a growing number of governance and legal disputes.

Firstly, court cases related to elections and governance increased in several National Sports Federations. Athletes raised concerns over the lack of transparency in selection processes. International bodies, including the International Olympic Committee and various world federations, pushed for stronger “good governance” standards. India’s ambition to host major global sporting events also made internationally accepted governance structures necessary.