More delay in NSB formation; Sports Ministry extends deadline for applications

The formation of the much-awaited National Sports Board (NSB) will take some 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 8.

“The original deadline for submission of applications expired on Wednesday (July 22, 2026). "It is hereby informed that the last date for submission of online applications has been extended by 15 days' i.e. from July 22, 2026 to August 6, 2026 up to 20:00 Hrs.," the Ministry circular stated. The appointments in the National Sports Board will be done on the recommendations of a search-cum-selection Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan.

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

The candidates would be 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 that was passed in August last year.

Deadline for NST applications extended again

The deadline of applications for appointments to the National Sports Tribunal (NST) has been extended for a second time. Originally set at June 18, the deadline was extended till July 18 the first time and has once again been revised to July 25 now. 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.

“It 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 on the basis of overall evaluation of candidates, taking into account their qualifications, experience, and performance during the personal interaction. Once in operation, the Tribunal's orders would only be challengeable 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 in progress in various courts of the country over issues ranging from selection to election, significantly hampering the progress of athletes and NSFs.

The setting up of a National Sports Tribunal promises to end this for good as it would have "all the powers of a Civil Court."