International Federations Consulted For National Sports Bill: Mansukh Mandaviya

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 12:49 IST

Sports Minister announced the National Sports Governance Bill, developed with IOC and FIFA input, will be introduced in Parliament during the monsoon session starting July 21.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya addresses a press conference (PTI)

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Thursday that the National Sports Governance Bill, set to be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session, has been developed with contributions not only from local stakeholders but also from international bodies like the IOC and FIFA.

Speaking at the one-day ‘Khelo Bharat Conclave’, attended by representatives from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), National Sports Federations (NSFs), the corporate sector, and athletes, the minister reaffirmed his dedication to passing the bill. He mentioned that he had even discussed it with former sports minister and Congress leader Ajay Maken.

The monsoon session of Parliament will commence on July 21.

“I did a series of consultations with NSFs, athletes, coaches, also got 600 inputs from the public when the draft was put online for suggestions. I also had a three-hour meeting with sports lawyers to understand their perspective," Mandaviya stated.

“The IOC (International Olympic Committee) was consulted as well along with international sports federations. FIFA had a query and I sent an officer to their headquarters to discuss things with them. The National Sports Bill is now read and will be in parliament during monsoon session," he added, without going into specifics.

What Is The National Sports Governance Bill?

The bill aims to increase the accountability of the country’s sports administrators by establishing a regulatory board empowered to grant recognition and allocate funding to NSFs based on their adherence to good governance standards. This board will also ensure compliance with the highest governance, financial, and ethical standards.

Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to promote transparency in governance.

The IOA opposes the bill, arguing that a regulatory board would undermine its role as the central body for all NSFs.

“I spoke to Ajay Maken (senior Congress leader) too. He made a good effort to have this bill passed," said Mandaviya, referring to Maken’s vigorous push for cleaner sports governance during his tenure, which lasted just over a year.

Governance reforms, particularly those concerning timely elections, have been a contentious issue with prominent NSFs like the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) being accused of delaying long-overdue elections.

While the minister did not name specific organisations, he urged administrators to put aside their personal interests.

“Main nahi hum (We, not I), that should be the way forward. We have to introspect whether it’s enough to just grab the chair. We have to let go of ego. Give the seat to someone better if you see one," he said.

“Reforms is a step by step process," he asserted.

(With inputs from PTI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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