Sports Ministry Issues Call For National Sports Tribunal Applications

Last Updated:June 03, 2026, 19:12 IST

The selection will be conducted by a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge

The Sports Ministry took the first step towards setting up the National Sports Tribunal, which will handle and resolve sporting disputes across the country, by inviting applications for two vacant posts and fixing June 18 as the last date for submission.

In a circular issued by joint secretary of sports, the ministry called for applications for membership of the Tribunal, which will be based in the national capital. The selection will be conducted by a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the CJI.

“Eligible candidates should be persons of eminence in public life with extensive knowledge and experience in sports, public administration, and law," the notification stated.

The Committee will also include the Sports Secretary and the Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice.

“The Committee will examine the applications and evaluate candidates on the basis of their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interaction," the ministry said.

Final recommendations for appointment will be made after an overall assessment of each candidate, taking into account their qualifications, experience, and performance during the interaction.

The government has not yet specified the total sanctioned strength of the Tribunal. However, the rules for the NST provide for techno-legal measures to enable “digital implementation" through a dedicated portal.

Once functional, orders passed by the Tribunal may be challenged only before the Supreme Court.

“It is aimed at reducing dependence on civil courts and ensuring independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient resolution of disputes related to sports governance and administration," the ministry stated.

If the appointed Chairperson or any member of the Tribunal is a sitting 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 pending in various courts across the country on issues ranging from selection to elections, which has significantly hindered the progress of athletes and National Sports Federations (NSFs).

The establishment of a National Sports Tribunal is expected to put an end to this situation, as it will be vested with “all the powers of a civil court."

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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