Ministry of Sports mandates two women and four SOMs in national federations
On 12 January, the Ministry of Sports notified rules under the National Sports Governance (NSG) Act. Eligibility criteria for including meritorious players (SOMs) in national federations were introduced, along with continued restrictions on convicted individuals participating in election processes. The Act was partially enforced from 1 January, and national sports federations (NSFs) were given six months to amend their bylaws to comply with the new law. Federations were also allowed to defer any pending elections until the end of this year to ensure smooth transitions.
Mandatory inclusion of women and SOMs
The Ministry has made it mandatory for national sports federations’ general assemblies to include at least two women and four SOMs. Tier classifications for athletes are as follows:
- Tier 1: Athletes winning at least one Olympic gold, silver, or bronze medal.
- Tier 3: Athletes who have participated in at least one Olympic event.
- Tier 4: Recipients of Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna or Arjuna Award.
- Tier 5: Athletes who have won medals or secured equivalent positions in World Championships or similar competitions.
There are a total of 10 tiers in decreasing order of achievement. After the Act comes into force, a three-member National Sports Board will be formed, and NSFs must obtain government recognition for grants. A five-member committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary will evaluate candidates.
Restrictions on convicted individuals
Individuals convicted of any crime by a competent court will remain barred from contesting elections for executive committees or athlete commissions. Rules state:
No person will be eligible to become a member of the general assembly or any committee of a national sports body, nor contest executive or athlete committee elections, if they are declared bankrupt under applicable law or convicted by a competent court in India and sentenced to imprisonment.
Eligibility for SOMs
Athletes applying as SOMs must be at least 25 years old and retired from active sports. They must not have participated in any competitive sports event representing a district, state, or India for at least one year prior to the application date.