Sports Ministry Directs NSFs to Hold Elections a Month Before Term Ends

Pratiksha Ghosh 

New Delhi, May 23 2025: In a move aimed at streamlining governance and avoiding legal disputes, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has directed all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to conduct their elections at least one month before the expiry of their current executive terms. The directive, issued through a Demi Official (DO) letter in March, seeks to prevent delays and legal challenges that have hampered smooth transitions in several federations.

The ministry’s action comes in response to a growing number of court cases stemming from election-related disputes. A recent example involves the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), where elections were stayed by a High Court after a disagreement over the electoral roll. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had to step in and appoint an ad hoc body to manage the federation in the interim.

“Yes, a direction has been given to the sports federations to advance their elections,” said Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a statement to The Tribune. “We have seen that delays mostly lead to court cases and then the need for ad hoc bodies. These unnecessary issues can be avoided by holding elections ahead of time, in line with our sports code.”

As per the 2011 Sports Code, NSFs are required to conduct timely elections for office bearers and inform the government well in advance about their General Body Meetings and other key decision-making sessions. The ministry’s 2015 guidelines further reinforce that these elections must be held at least one month before the current term expires.

The directive has already been issued to several federations, including the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF).

NRAI Secretary General K. Sultan Singh confirmed receipt of the ministry’s letter, stating, “We have to agree to this direction as it is being done to ensure high standards of good governance. We are not the only ones; several federations have received this communication.”

IWLF President Sahdev Yadav was unavailable for comment.

The ministry has also instructed federations to notify it in advance of any meetings where elections or other critical decisions will be made, ensuring transparency and adherence to governance norms.