*Parliament passes landmark law promising financial scrutiny, faster dispute resolution
*Bill brings transparency, accountability, legal teeth to sports administration
New Delhi: The National Sports Governance Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Parliament with Rajya Sabha giving its nod a mere 24 hours after Lok Sabha, marking a historic first for India’s sports administration that is now set to be regulated by a national board and have its own dispute resolution mechanism.
The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, which reinforces NADA’s autonomy as required by the World Anti-Doping Agency, was also passed by the Parliament. The two bills now await presidential assent to be notified as acts.
“In 20 countries, there is sports law. I request the Rajya Sabha to make India the 21st country with a sports law,” Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said in his address which was followed by a discussion that lasted over two hours.
“In this bill, we are bringing transparency, not control, not interference. Government doesn’t want to control. We are being the supporters and providers of a structure,” he asserted.
Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha, who is a nominated member, was among the prominent voices who lauded the bill.
Usha expressed similar sentiments and said, “This bill will usher in transparency, accountability, and gender parity. It will empower athletes and build confidence among sponsors and federations. It is about justice and fair-play.”
Mandaviya has described it as “the single biggest reform in sports since independence.”
The most striking aspect of the bill is the NSB to create a stringent system of accountability. The NSB will have the mandate to de-recognise a national body that fails to hold elections for its Executive Committee or has committed “gross irregularities in the election procedures.”
Failure to publish annual audited accounts or “misused, misapplied or misappropriated public funds” would also be liable for action by the NSB but it would be required to consult the concerned global body before making its move.
Another feature is the proposal for a National Sports Tribunal, which will have the powers of a civil court and decide disputes ranging from selection to election involving federations and athletes. Once instituted, Tribunal’s decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.
The bill makes some concessions on the issue of age cap for administrators by allowing those in the bracket of 70 to 75 to contest elections if the concerned international bodies’ statutes and bylaws allow for it. It is a departure from the national sports code that capped the age limit at 70.
All recognised national sports bodies would also come under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, something that the BCCI has vehemently opposed since it is not dependent on government funding.
However, the cricket board has got some leeway on that front with the government amending the bill to ensure that RTI would be applicable only on bodies that rely on government funding or support.
Another significant amendment made to the draft is the mandatory term of two tenures in the EC to be eligible for fighting NSF elections. That mandatory tenure has been reduced to one term, clearing the decks for the likes of IOA President P T Usha to seek a re-election.
The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill-2025 incorporates the changes sought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which objected to “government interference” in the functioning of the country’s Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
The act was originally passed in 2022 but its implementation had to be put on hold due to objections raised by WADA.
Ground-breaking
Age & Tenure Limits
Top posts like President, Secretary General, and Treasurer capped at three consecutive terms (12 years total). Age limit 70, extendable to 75 only if permitted internationally.
Executive Committee Structure
Maximum of 15 members to cut financial burden. Must include two outstanding athletes and four women, ensuring gender parity and athlete voice in decision-making
National Sports Board
Can grant, suspend, or withdraw recognition of sports bodies, collaborate with international federations, and ensure athlete welfare nationwide.
Chairperson and members appointed by Centre via search-cum-selection committee, including SAI chief, senior sports administrators, and eminent award-winning athletes.
Can de-recognise bodies for election delays, irregularities, misuse of funds, or lack of audited accounts. Must consult global federations before acting
National Sports Tribunal
Exclusive body to hear sports-related cases, bypassing lower courts, ensuring faster, stable decisions. Appeals go directly to Supreme Court.
Led by SC judge or former Chief Justice of a High Court, with two members. Appointed by Centre on CJI-led panel’s recommendations
National Sports Election Panel
Oversees free and fair elections in sports bodies. Members will be retired senior election officials with proven experience.
National Sports Board will maintain an official list of election officers for use across federations
Funding Restrictions
Only recognised sports bodies eligible for central government grants or financial assistance
RTI Coverage
All recognised, government-supported sports bodies to fall under Right to Information Act. BCCI will have to register as an NSF (National Sports Federation) due to cricket’s Olympic entry
Government Discretionary Powers
No sports body can use ‘India’, ‘National’, or national symbols without government approval. Government can limit national team participation under extraordinary circumstances in the national interest. Centre can relax bill provisions if deemed necessary for public interest or efficient administration