The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) has issued strict directions to all recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs) to immediately stop the unauthorised use of official government logos, including the State Emblem, the Ministry’s insignia and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) logo.
In an official communication issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the ministry said it has observed that some NSFs have been using government logos and symbols on their letterheads, websites, visiting cards and other communication material. Such usage, the ministry noted, creates a misleading impression that these federations are a direct part of the Government of India or SAI.
The ministry clarified that while NSFs are recognised by the government and are eligible for financial and other forms of assistance, this recognition does not entitle them to use the names, emblems or logos of the Government of India, MoYAS or SAI on their official stationery or digital platforms. Such practices are unauthorised and violate provisions of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
NSFs have been permitted to mention their government recognition only in written form, without using official logos or symbols.
The ministry further stated that the use of government and SAI logos will be allowed only on programme-specific promotional material—such as banners, backdrops, advertisements, signage or souvenirs—and only in cases where formal recognition or financial assistance has been granted, and strictly in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
All national sports federations have been directed to immediately remove unauthorised logos from both physical and digital platforms and ensure that their association with the Government of India or SAI is not misrepresented in any manner.
Presidents and Secretaries of NSFs have also been instructed to ensure compliance not just at the national level but across all affiliated state and Union Territory units.
