National Sports Governance Bill 2025: A New Era for Indian Sports

For many years, Indian sports federations operated independently, often without athlete involvement and under the same leadership. The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 introduces significant reforms to change this dynamic.

Key Reforms in the Bill

• Athlete Representation:
  • National sports bodies must have an executive committee with up to 15 members.
  • Includes at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit and two elected members from the athletes' committee.
  • Requires a minimum of four women, ensuring gender representation.
• National Sports Board (NSB):
  • Comprises experts in public administration, sports governance, and sports law.
  • Empowered to grant or suspend recognition of sports bodies.
  • Issues codes of ethics and frames policies for the protection of women and minor athletes.
  • Collaborates with international sports bodies to widen its influence.
• National Sports Tribunal (NST):
  • Addresses disputes quickly, with orders executable like civil decrees.
  • Decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court to ensure finality.
• Transparency:
  • Recognized sports bodies fall under the RTI Act, enhancing scrutiny and trust.
  • The BCCI is exempt as it does not receive government funding.

International Context and Implications

• Countries like the US, Australia, and many in Europe guarantee athlete representation. 
• With this Bill, India aims to adopt a similar athlete-first framework.

Conclusion

The Bill represents a critical step towards equality and transparency in Indian sports governance. Its success depends on effective implementation, potentially transforming athletes from mere performers to equal partners in governance.