NSF Conclave 2026 Focuses on Governance

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised the National Sports Federation (NSF) Conclave 2026, which brought together representatives from 37 National Sports Federations (NSFs), including the Indian Olympic Association, to deliberate upon India’s sporting roadmap and preparations for major international events such as the Commonwealth Games 2026, Asian Games 2026 and Summer Olympics 2028.

The conclave marked “a coordinated step towards India’s preparation for upcoming global sporting events.” The government’s vision of transforming India into a leading sporting nation through long-term planning, scientific training, stronger sporting infrastructure and sustained support for athletes preparing for major international competitions was highlighted.

The focus was on institutional reforms and governance practices within National Sports Federations. “India’s sporting future depends on stronger coordination between athletes, federations and governments”, and stressed that governance within federations must remain athlete-centric. Greater transparency, timely elections, accountability and stronger institutional mechanisms to ensure athlete welfare remained central to India’s sporting ecosystem were called for.

During the conclave, the National Sports Governance Act 2025 Rules and Reform Guidelines Handbook was formally released. The handbook was issued in furtherance of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 (see our blog post), which seeks to streamline governance, promote fair play and strengthen accountability within Indian sports administration. The legislation introduced governance structures for National Sports Federations, election oversight mechanisms, athlete representation requirements and dispute-resolution frameworks to improve transparency and institutional functioning within Indian sports governance.

The Government intended to ensure open and fair selection systems, enhanced exposure to competition, stronger international engagement for federations, and increased investment in athletes, coaches, and governance mechanisms.

The issue of anti-doping governance was also discussed during the conclave, and it was proposed to eradicate doping from the Indian sports ecosystem through awareness, education and stricter legal measures. The Minister stated that “eradicating doping from the Indian sports ecosystem requires collective responsibility and strict action” and urged federations, coaches and support staff to actively contribute towards building a clean and transparent sporting culture in the country.

Further, the conclave highlighted the importance of scientific training, exposure to competition, private-sector participation, sports leagues, academies, and governance reforms in improving India’s medal prospects at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. The Ministry also referred to broader initiatives such as Khelo India, the Fit India Movement and the proposed Khelo Bharat Mission as part of the Government’s larger strategy for strengthening the sports ecosystem.

It was stated that “India’s march towards Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics 2028 will be driven by performance, powered by science and anchored in stronger federations.” The importance of collective responsibility and long-term planning in achieving India’s sporting ambitions was similarly stressed, and it was stated that “today’s discussions will shape India’s sporting future for 2036.”

The official release further recorded that the conclave included discussions concerning the Khelo India Mission Medal Strategy, promotion of sports goods manufacturing, scientific fitness protocols and athlete assessment, strengthening anti-doping laws, technical interventions for National Sports Federations, governance and compliance under the National Sports Governance Act 2025, India’s ambition to host major international sporting events and increasing representation in global federations.