National Sports Board (Search-cum-Selection Committee)

The Union Government has notified the National Sports Board (Search-cum-Selection Committee) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, marking a key step towards operationalising the new sports governance framework in India.

Composition of the Search-cum-Selection Committee

The Rules empower the Central Government to constitute a Search-cum-Selection Committee with the following members:

• Chairperson: Cabinet Secretary
• Member: Secretary, Department of Sports
• Member: One person with experience in sports administration
• Members: Two recipients of national sports awards

Mandate and Functions

The Committee is entrusted with:

• Recommending a panel of suitable names for appointment as:
  • Chairperson, and
  • Two Members of the National Sports Board
• Ensuring that shortlisted candidates are persons of ability, integrity and standing
• Assessing expertise or practical experience in:
  • Public administration
  • Sports governance
  • Sports law
  • Other related and relevant fields

Significance of the Rules

• The notification initiates the formal selection process for constituting the National Sports Board.
• Once constituted, the National Sports Board will function as the central authority to:
  • Grant board recognition to National Sports Bodies (NSBs)
  • Ensure compliance with governance, financial and ethical standards
  • Strengthen transparency, accountability and professionalism in Indian sports administration