The Sports Ministry on Tuesday announced new operational guidelines for the soon-to-be-established National Sports Tribunal (NST) and National Sports Board (NSB). The ministry stated that a dedicated digital portal will be developed to handle sports disputes and manage legal records.
In separate notifications outlining the roles of these two institutions, which are being set up under the National Sports Governance Act passed last year, the ministry said that the process of forming a search-cum-selection committee under the leadership of the Cabinet Secretary is currently underway.
The National Sports Board will serve as the primary authority responsible for recognizing national sports organizations and ensuring compliance with governance, financial, and ethical standards. The board will consist of a Chairperson and two members, each serving a term of three years.
However, the government has not yet provided details regarding the total number of members in the National Sports Tribunal.
The new framework also includes technology-driven legal mechanisms to strengthen digital operations.
According to the ministry, a dedicated online platform will be created where sports-related disputes, notices, responses, documents, and required clarifications can be submitted. The same portal will also be used for tribunal communications, publication of orders, virtual hearings, and maintenance of legal records and proceedings.
The National Sports Tribunal will function as a specialized judicial body for resolving sports-related disputes across the country.
The ministry stated that the primary objective is to reduce dependence on civil courts in matters concerning sports governance and administration while ensuring quicker, independent, effective, and cost-efficient dispute resolution.
The National Sports Board will not be limited to granting affiliations but will also maintain records of the National Sports Election Panel and affiliated units of National Sports Bodies.
Additionally, the board has been granted the authority to formulate model guidelines and regulations related to sports governance.