National Sports Governance Bill cleared, Mandaviya praises move, asserting that it will overhaul the sports sector and institute an athlete-oriented strategy.
The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 represents a significant step forward in modernizing India's sports governance. This transformative legislation aims to establish a transparent, accountable, and organized framework that aligns with international best practices.
One of the key provisions of the Act is the establishment of the National Sports Board (NSB), which will supervise all national sports federations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This move ensures these federations adhere to governance norms, ethical standards, and transparency requirements.
Recognized sports bodies receiving government funds will now be deemed public authorities under the Right to Information Act, 2005. This will significantly improve accountability, particularly regarding the utilization of public funds, even for bodies like the BCCI that previously resisted such transparency.
The Act also sets eligibility criteria for top positions in national sports federations. Candidates must have either outstanding sporting achievements or prior administrative experience, and the previous requirement of two terms on the executive committee has been reduced to one. This encourages younger administrators and athlete representation.
A National Sports Tribunal, with powers akin to a civil court, will be established to resolve sports-related disputes, including those involving athlete selection and federation elections. Appeals from this tribunal would go to the Supreme Court unless international regulations provide otherwise.
The Act also restricts unauthorized use of India's national sports name and insignia in competitions without prior approval, protecting national identity in sports.
The Act enables the creation of national Olympic, Paralympic, and sports federations with affiliated units at state and district levels, each linked to their respective international bodies. This fosters organized and standardized governance.
The Act seeks to promote sports development and welfare of sportspersons, enforce ethical governance based on universal principles such as the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, and resolve sports grievances and disputes effectively. It aims to bring legal standards and fairness into sports management across India, ensuring transparency, fair play, and equitable treatment of all stakeholders.
In addition, the Act features compulsory athletes' commissions for all NOCs, NPC, and NSFs, ensuring formalized participation of athletes in governance and policy-making. The bill also includes a National Sports Election Panel, a pool of qualified election officials to ensure transparent elections in sports federations.
The Act aims to boost India's global sporting integration, ensuring protection from IOC derecognition risks, and is compliant with international statutes. The office bearer's age has been capped at 70 (75 in special cases), with a member allowed a maximum of three terms and a cooling-off period.
The NSB will grant recognitions to NOC, NSFs, RSFs, NSPOs, and register all affiliates, including those at the state and district levels. The bill also transfers the power to constitute the Appeal Panel from the Board to the central government.
The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, empowers the Central government to constitute the Appeal Panel. This amendment seeks to amend the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022.
In cases of suspension, de-recognition, or governance failure, the NSB may direct the NOC to constitute an ad-hoc administrative body consisting of five eminent sports administrators. NSFs must implement a mandatory 'Safe Sports Policy' for the protection of women, minors, and vulnerable athletes.
This comprehensive approach intends to build a transparent, accountable, and vibrant sports ecosystem, overcoming previous governance shortcomings and aligning Indian sports with international best practices. This reform supports India’s ambitions to host global sports events and enhance sports governance quality nationwide.
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