In a significant move to overhaul sports administration in the country, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has granted a major extension for internal elections across all National Sports Federations (NSFs). The federations, including prominent bodies like the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), have been permitted to defer their electoral processes until the end of December 2026.
A Transitional Measure for Foundational Change
This decision was communicated through an official letter dated 22nd December 2025. The ministry clarified that the deferral is a transitional measure to allow NSFs adequate time to implement the sweeping foundational changes mandated by the newly enacted National Sports Governance (NSG) Act, 2025. The act, which received the President's assent on 18th August 2025 and will replace the 2011 Sports Code, introduces a new governance framework for Indian sports.
The ministry's letter stated, "Compliance requirements under NSG Act, 2025 necessitate adequate preparation time for NSFs to establish robust electoral structure and procedures, and alignment of the Constitution/Bye-laws of NSFs with the NSG Act." It emphasized that the one-time extension is solely for transitioning to the new electoral framework.
Key Structural Reforms Under the NSG Act
The NSG Act brings in several critical reforms that NSFs must incorporate before holding elections. The ministry noted it reviewed existing election schedules and deemed the implementation of these changes paramount.
The act mandates a complete restructuring of the General Body of each NSF to ensure all members and units align with its provisions. One of the most significant changes is the cap on the size of the Executive Committee (EC). The strength of all NSF Executive Committees will now be fixed at a maximum of 15 members. Furthermore, the composition must include at least four Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) as mandatory members. The term of an EC has also been standardized and capped at four years.
Continuity and Exceptions
During this extended period until 31st December 2026, the existing Executive Committees of the concerned NSFs will continue to function. The tenure of the current office-bearers will be extended for the duration of the deferment, subject to approval from the federation's General Body.
The ministry's directive, however, comes with a clear exception. The deferral will not apply in cases where there are specific directions by the Courts of Law mandating elections. This provision ensures the ministry's order does not interfere with ongoing judicial processes.
On Friday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya provided an update on the act's rollout, stating, "All the procedures related to the act have been done. We are vetting the legal implementation of the act, and it will be implemented next year in January." This deferral effectively provides NSFs with a full year to prepare their structures and constitutions in line with the new law before conducting elections under its strictures.
