National Sports Governance Bill 2025 is set to be tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday

Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is very optimistic that the Bill will be passed and a new era will start in Indian sports

• All sports bodies, including BCCI will come under the Bill.
• It will change the perception about the Sports Ministry’s role from “controller” to “facilitator”.

Khel Today Bureau

New Delhi: The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 is set to be tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday.

Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is very optimistic that the Bill will be passed and a new era will start in Indian sports.

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has drafted the National Sports Governance Bill 2025, to bring reforms to the way sports bodies and NSFs operate in India.

All sports bodies, including BCCI will come under the Bill. It will change the perception about the Sports Ministry’s role from “controller” to “facilitator”.

The legislation is designed to enhance transparency, prioritize athlete welfare, and incorporate international standards.

This move comes after years of reform efforts aimed at promoting ethical practices, safeguarding athletes’ rights, and fostering a professional, dispute-free sporting environment.

The Bill also seeks to align India’s governance model with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, strengthening the country’s chances of hosting major global events, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.

The Bill has been drafted with inputs from not just the stakeholders but also international bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA.

Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya held a series of consultations with NSFs, athletes, coaches, also got 600 inputs from the public when the draft was put online for suggestions. He also had a long meeting with sports lawyers to understand their perspective.

Mr. Mandaviya has even held discussions with former Sports Minister and Congress leader Ajay Maken, who had made the good effort to have this Bill passed.

The Bill aims to bring a comprehensive legislation for NSFs and its affiliate state and district units. The effort is to improve governance, reduce disputes and litigation involving the federations by setting up a dedicated National Sports Tribunal, streamline selection of athletes, increase athletes’ representation and gender balance in national sports bodies.

For the first time, athletes will play a central role in shaping sports policy. All NSFs, including the Indian Olympic Association and the National Paralympic Committee, will be required to establish Athletes’ Committees.

A National Sports Tribunal will also be set up for an independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of sports related disputes.

The parties can go in appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days from the date of the tribunal’s decision.

A National Sports Election Panel will be formed to monitor elections to the EC and athletes’ committee of the NSFs. This panel will be set up by the central government on recommendations of the NSB, having retired a chief election commissioner or election commissioner or deputy election commissioner or retired state election commissioner or chief electoral officers of the states.

According  to sports ministry, the laws have been framed keeping in mind the autonomy of sports governing bodies in line with the Olympic Charter and statutes of international federations. NSFs including BCCI will have to redraw their governance structure as per the Act that mandates an executive committee of not more than 15 members, inclusion of at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit, two from the athletes commission, and four women members. There is a provision to have ex-officio and other members, nominated and elected, conforming to international charters and bylaws.