National Sports Board Setup Delayed, Sports Ministry Extends Deadline For Applications

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 13:43 IST

Sports Ministry extended the deadline for National Sports Board applications to August 6

The formation of the much-awaited National Sports Board (NSB) will take more time after the Sports Ministry extended the deadline for submission of applications for the selection of its chairman and members by 15 days to August 6.

The original deadline for submission of applications expired on Wednesday.

“It is hereby informed that the last date for submission of online applications has been extended by 15 days’ ie., from 22.06.2026 to 06.08.2026 (up to 20:00 Hrs.)," the ministry circular stated.

Appointments to the National Sports Board will be made on the recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan.

Olympic bronze-winning former shooter Gagan Narang and weightlifting great N Kunjarani Devi are also part of the five-member committee. The other members include Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Council member Lt General (Retd) Harpal Singh.

Candidates are required to be “from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing, having knowledge or practical experience in the field of public administration, sports governance, sports law and other related fields."

In addition to granting affiliation, the National Sports Board will maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel and a register of affiliate units of the National Sports Bodies.

The Board has also been empowered to specify model guidelines or regulations on sports governance. An age cap of 65 has been set for its members. The NSB is being formed under the National Sports Governance Act, which was passed in August last year.

Deadline for NST applications extended again

The deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal (NST) has been extended for a second time. Originally set for June 18, it was first pushed to July 18 and has now been revised to July 25.

The selection process will be carried out by a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge designated by the CJI. The panel will also include the Sports Secretary and the Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice.

“The Committee will scrutinise applications and assess candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interaction," the ministry stated.

The final recommendation for appointment will be made based on an overall evaluation of candidates, taking into account their qualifications, experience, and performance during the personal interaction.

Once operational, the Tribunal’s orders will be challengeable only in the Supreme Court.

If the appointed Chairperson or member of the Tribunal is a serving judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, “he shall either resign or obtain voluntary retirement from his parent service before joining the Tribunal."

According to the Sports Ministry, more than 350 cases are currently pending in courts across the country on issues ranging from selection to elections, significantly hampering the progress of athletes and National Sports Federations (NSFs).

The establishment of a National Sports Tribunal is expected to address these concerns, as it would have “all the powers of a civil court."

About the Author

Aakash Biswas

A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I...Read More

News sports other-sports National Sports Board Setup Delayed, Sports Ministry Extends Deadline For Applications

Read More