The long-pending National Sports Governance Bill has officially become an Act after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent, paving the way for sweeping reforms in India’s sports administration. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailed it as a “path-breaking step” in ensuring transparency and accountability.
According to a Gazette notification issued on Monday, the legislation will now be known as the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
Key provisions
The Act narrows the scope of the Right to Information (RTI) law to cover only sports bodies receiving government grants or assistance. This effectively excludes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which does not depend on state funding, from coming under RTI.
It also relaxes eligibility rules for top federation posts. Candidates will now need just one term in an Executive Committee to qualify for positions such as President, Secretary General, or Treasurer, instead of the two terms required earlier. The move, officials say, will open doors for “younger administrators and athlete-leaders”.
Structural changes
The law mandates the creation of a National Sports Board, empowered to grant or revoke recognition of National Sports Federations (NSFs). A National Sports Tribunal will also be set up for quick dispute resolution, with appeals only allowed in the Supreme Court.
Further, a National Sports Election Panel will oversee NSF polls, often marred by controversies. The central government has also retained discretionary powers to restrict India’s participation in international events under “extraordinary circumstances” tied to national interest.
Legislative journey
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 23 and cleared by the Lower House on August 11. It received Rajya Sabha approval the next day after a two-hour debate. With Presidential assent on August 18, it has now become law after more than a decade of deliberations.
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