India has introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, to reshape how sports are governed across the country. The proposed law brings all national federations, including cricket’s powerful BCCI, under a unified, central framework. The Bill aims to enforce transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for athletes. It replaces toothless guidelines with strict statutory mandates.
At the core of the bill is the National Sports Board (NSB). This board will have the authority to recognize or derecognize any national federation. It will also oversee elections, finances, and athlete welfare. Members of the board will be selected by the central government based on expertise and integrity.
A new National Sports Tribunal (NST) will resolve disputes, including selection issues and election conflicts. Headed by a senior judge, the tribunal will have civil court powers, with appeals going directly to the Supreme Court. Regular courts will not entertain NST-related cases.
The National Sports Election Panel will monitor all sports federation elections, ensuring fair play and eligibility compliance.
All federations must follow a Code of Ethics based on global standards, including Olympic and Paralympic Charters. The Bill also requires strict financial transparency, with criminal penalties for misuse of public funds.
Athlete safety is another key area. The law mandates a national Safe Sport Policy with protections for women, children, and vulnerable groups. Each organization must have a grievance redressal mechanism.
The Bill limits office-bearers like presidents and secretaries to three consecutive terms or 12 years, breaking long-term power consolidation.
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The Bill marks a turning point in Indian sports administration. Previously, frameworks like the 2011 Sports Code lacked legal authority. Now, federations failing governance tests face real consequences including derecognition.
For athletes, the law ensures more equitable treatment, safety, and representation. For Indian sport at large, the Bill brings governance closer to global best practices boosting India’s standing on the world stage.
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