New Delhi, 28 January 2026:  The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS), Government of India, issued directions to all recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs) to immediately discontinue the unauthorised use of the State Emblem and the logos or insignia of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

It was observed that certain NSFs are using official government logos and emblems on their letterheads, websites, visiting cards, and other communication materials, thereby creating an incorrect impression of being a direct part of the Government of India or SAI. Such usage is unauthorised and contrary to the provisions of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.

The Ministry has clarified that while NSFs are recognised by the Government and are eligible for financial and other forms of assistance, such recognition or support does not entitle them to use the name, emblem, or logos of the Government of India, the Ministry, or SAI as part of their official stationery or digital platforms.

NSFs may only make a textual reference to their recognition by the Ministry, without using official logos or insignia.

The directive to NSFs  state that the Government and SAI logos may be used strictly for event-specific publicity materials, such as banners, backdrops, advertisements, signage, or mementos, only in cases where financial assistance has been provided or formal recognition has been extended, and that too in accordance with prescribed guidelines.

Further, all NSFs have also been directed to immediately remove unauthorised logos from physical and digital platforms and ensure that their affiliation with the Government of India or SAI is not misrepresented in any manner.

The Presidents and Secretaries General of NSFs have been instructed to ensure compliance not only at the national level but also by their affiliated State and Union Territory units.

The Ministry has cautioned that any violation of these instructions will be viewed seriously and may result in appropriate action under existing guidelines and applicable laws, including suspension of recognition or stoppage of financial assistance.

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 Ayushman Kumar