Section 27 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025
- (1)Any sports organisation desirous of using the word "India" or "Indian" or "National" or any national insignia or symbols in any language in its registered name, operating name, logo or otherwise in its affairs, shall obtain a no-objection certificate from the Central Government for such use: Provided that a sports organisation other than a recognised sports organisation shall, in addition to the requirements under this sub-section, obtain written consent of the Board.
- (2)No sports organisation shall use the name "India" or the name of any State or district in India, or conduct any sports trials, tournaments, or events upon the suspension or cancellation of its recognition by the Board under this Act.
- (3)No person or group of persons, either individually or collectively, shall represent or be allowed to represent India or any State or district in India, in any sports trials, tournaments or events of designated sports without an authorisation by a National Sports Body or its affiliate unit.
Summary
- A sports organisation must get a no-objection certificate from the Central Government to use words like India, Indian, or National, or any national symbols in its name or logo.
- If the sports organisation is not recognised by the Board, it must also get written consent from the Board to use those words or symbols.
- A sports organisation cannot use the name of India, a State, or a district if its recognition has been suspended or cancelled by the Board.
- An organisation with suspended or cancelled recognition cannot conduct sports trials, tournaments, or events.
- No individual or team can represent India, a State, or a district in designated sports without permission from a National Sports Body or its affiliate unit.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can my sports club use the word National in its name?
You can only do so if you obtain a no-objection certificate from the Central Government, and written consent from the Board if your club is not a recognized sports organization.
2. What happens to a sports organisation if its recognition is cancelled?
It must stop using the names of India, any State, or any district, and it must stop conducting sports trials or tournaments.
3. Can a private team represent a State in a tournament?
No, a team cannot represent a State in designated sports without authorization from a National Sports Body or its affiliate unit.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 27 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, what must a recognised sports organisation obtain to use the word "Indian" in its registered name?
Q2.Under Section 27 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, what extra step is required for an unrecognised sports organisation that wants to use national symbols in its logo?
Q3.Under Section 27 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, what activity is prohibited for a sports organisation whose Board recognition has been suspended?
Q4.Under Section 27 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, what is required for a group of athletes to officially represent a State in a designated sports event?