National Sports Governance Bill: A New Era for Indian Sports

The National Sports Governance Bill is a historic legislation that aims to usher in a new era for sports in India. The bill proposes the establishment of a regulatory board to oversee National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association, ensuring adherence to good governance, financial, and ethical standards. The bill also proposes the establishment of Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to promote transparency and cut down litigation. The bill has been opposed by the Indian Olympic Association, but Sports Minister Mansukh Mandviya has assured that the International Olympic Committee has been consulted during its drafting.

The National Sports Governance Bill, set to be tabled in the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament starting July 21, 2025, aims to usher in significant reforms for the sports sector in India. The bill, drafted with inputs from international bodies, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for good governance in National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The bill proposes the creation of a regulatory board with the power to grant recognition and allocate funding to NSFs based on their adherence to good governance principles. This board will also ensure compliance with the highest ethical, financial, and governance standards. Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to promote transparency and efficiently resolve conflicts between athletes and administrators.

The bill has been opposed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which fears that a regulatory board would undermine its standing as the nodal body for all NSFs. However, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandviya has assured that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been consulted during the drafting process. The IOC's involvement is crucial, given India's bid to host the Olympics in 2036.

The National Sports Governance Bill is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability in sports administration. It complements the Khelo Bharat Niti and the anti-doping amendment Bill, which are also expected to be discussed in Parliament. The anti-doping act, originally passed in 2022, had to be put on hold due to objections raised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The amended bill has been drafted to be WADA-compliant.

The bill's passage is expected to promote a new sporting culture in India, building on the success of the Khelo India initiative. It is hoped that the reforms will lead to improved governance, increased transparency, and a more structured sports ecosystem.

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/sport/national-sports-governance-bill-historic-will-usher-in-new-era-for-india-says-kiren-rijiju/article69830412.ece
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/sports/other-sports-news/national-sports-governance-bill-set-to-be-tabled-in-monsoon-session-125071500530_1.html