Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Sports Ministry Bans NSFs from Using State Emblem
The Sports Ministry in India has told all national sports federations (NSFs) to stop using the State Emblem and logos of the ministry or the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on their official materials.
This includes things like letterheads, websites, and visiting cards.
The ministry says this use is not allowed and can create a wrong impression that these federations are directly part of the government.
They can only use these logos for specific events where the government has given money or official recognition.
If they don't follow these rules, they might lose their recognition or financial help from the government.
The ministry has asked all NSFs to remove these logos immediately from all their materials.
The Sports Ministry directed NSFs to stop using the State Emblem and government logos on their official materials.
Unauthorized use of these logos is against the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
NSFs can only use these logos for event-specific publicity materials with government financial assistance or recognition.
Violations may result in suspension of recognition or stoppage of financial assistance.
NSFs have been instructed to remove unauthorized logos from all physical and digital platforms immediately.
- Who
- National Sports Federations (NSFs)
- What
- Unauthorized use of State Emblem and government logos
- When
- January 28
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent misrepresentation of affiliation with the Government of India or SAI
- Issuing Authority
- Sports Ministry
- Affected Entities
- National Sports Federations (NSFs)
- Unauthorized Use
- State Emblem, Ministry, and SAI logos
- Platforms Affected
- Letterheads, websites, visiting cards, and communication materials
- Permitted Use
- Event-specific publicity materials with financial assistance or formal recognition
- Consequence of Violation
- Suspension of recognition or stoppage of financial assistance
- Governing Law
- National Sports Development Code of India, 2011
- Date of Directive
- January 28