The National Sports Governance Act partially took effect on January 1, 2026. This launched key provisions to set up the National Sports Board (NSB) and a National Sports Tribunal (NST) for sports dispute resolution. The Central Government notified the Act on August 18 last year. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya calls it the biggest sporting reform in India. The new rules cover the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations (NSFs), and Regional Sports Federations. A Sports Ministry press release detailed the specific sections of the Act now in force. All sports bodies must form Executive Committees with up to 15 members, including at least two Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs). The NSB will have a Chairperson and members appointed by the Central Government. These members must be experienced in sports governance, law, or public administration. The appointments will be made after recommendations by a search-cum-selection committee, yet to be finalized. The Ministry aims for a smooth transition to this new governance framework. The Ministry allowed NSFs with upcoming elections to delay them until December 2026 for full Act implementation. For example, the All India Football Federation elections will now occur later in the year. The NSB will grant affiliation to NSFs, monitor their finances, and penalize violations once fully operational. NSFs must obtain NSB affiliation to qualify for government funding. NSB members will have a 65-year age limit and may serve two terms. NST members will serve four years with a 67-year age limit. A National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) will be created to manage elections for sports organizations. Criteria for Sportspersons of Merit encourages retired athletes to join sports administration. Olympic medalists or participants qualify for the National Olympic Committee. Other federations accept National Sports Award winners or world championship medalists. The Act lists 10 tiers of athlete achievements for eligibility. Tier-1 includes Olympic medalists, and Tier-2 includes those with participation in two or more Olympics. This reform marks a new chapter in India's sports governance.