National Sports Governance Bill Clears Rajya Sabha: Here’s What It Means For Athletes

Last Updated:August 13, 2025, 02:04 IST

News18 has learnt that the sports ministry is moving swiftly to frame rules for its implementation

The government, determined to push the reform through in the ongoing monsoon session, hailed it as a landmark step towards overhauling sports administration in the country. (Representational image/Sansad TV)

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the long-pending National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, despite loud protests and sloganeering from the opposition. The government, determined to push the reform through in the ongoing monsoon session, hailed it as a landmark step towards overhauling sports administration in the country.

CNN-News18 has learnt that the sports ministry is moving swiftly to frame rules for its implementation. “Eighty per cent of the work is already done, and the notification should be out in the next couple of months," a senior government source said. Once notified, the National Sports Board (NSB) will be constituted to recognise and regulate national and state-level sports federations.

The bill also paves the way for a National Sports Election Panel to ensure fair, dispute-free elections across federations. This panel will be made up of members experienced in conducting federation polls, aiming to avoid legal entanglements that have plagued Indian sports bodies in the past.

Athletes, especially women, will be central to decision-making, with mandatory Athletes’ Committees in all federations. For the first time, a statutory minimum of four women on every Executive Committee.

Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) will get voting rights in the NSFs, NOC, and NPC. Gender representation in Executive Committees is mandatory.

A dedicated National Sports Tribunal will handle disputes, with appeals only to the Supreme Court. Ad-hoc bodies will manage operations if a federation is suspended, ensuring no disruption to training or competitions.

The bill proposes aligning Indian sports governance with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, ensuring that the country is better positioned to host major international events, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympics.

India’s sports landscape has long been plagued by controversies, from court battles over federation elections to mismanagement and a lack of athlete representation. Currently, more than 350 court cases regarding sports federations are pending, creating serious hurdles in governance and sports promotion.

By embedding transparency, athlete representation, and gender equity into the law, the bill aims to not just reform administration but also strengthen India’s image as a global sporting power.

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First Published:

August 13, 2025, 02:04 IST

News sports National Sports Governance Bill Clears Rajya Sabha: Here’s What It Means For Athletes

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