India Sports Governance Bill, 2025 Explained
- Arpan Desai
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Introduction
On 11 August 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025. This is a major step in reforming how sports are managed in India. The Bill follows the Olympic Charter, the Paralympic Charter and other global sports rules.
It focuses on transparency, athlete welfare, ethics and a clear system to resolve disputes.
The main aim is to ensure sports bodies in India work in a fair and accountable way.
It also seeks to protect the rights of sportspersons and improve the quality of governance.
Its central goals are
Transparency and accountability in sports administration.
Welfare measures for sportspersons.
Fair play and ethical governance.
Unified grievance redressal for sports disputes.
1. Structure of National Sports Governance
Establishment of National Sports Bodies
The bill mandates the creation of:
National Olympic Committee (NOC)
National Paralympic Committee (NPC)
National Sports Federations (one per designated sport)
Regional Sports Federations (for specific sports at regional level)
Each body must have international recognition from its respective global federation, ensuring compliance with global rules and eligibility for international competition.
Governance Requirements
Every National Sports Body must have:
General Body with equal representation from all affiliate units.
Executive Committee (max 15 members) with:
At least two sportspersons of outstanding merit.
At least four women members.
Ethics Committee, Dispute Resolution Committee, and Athletes Committee.
Key offices: President, Secretary General, and Treasurer with strict eligibility and term limits.
2. The National Sports Board
Role and Composition
The Bill creates the National Sports Board (NSB), headquartered in Delhi, as the apex regulatory authority. It will be composed of a chairperson and members appointed by the Central Government based on expertise in sports governance, law, and public administration.
Powers & Functions
The NSB’s responsibilities include:
Granting and renewing recognition of sports organisations.
Maintaining a register of recognised bodies and affiliates.
Conducting inquiries into governance failures or misuse of funds.
Issuing guidelines for Codes of Ethics and Safe Sports Policies.
Overseeing elections via the National Sports Election Panel.
Collaborating with international sports bodies for athlete welfare.
3. Recognition & Regulation of Sports Organisations
Only registered societies, Section 8 companies, or trusts can be recognised.
Recognition is periodically renewed.
NSB can suspend or cancel recognition for:
Loss of international recognition.
Violations of the Act or misuse of funds.
Failure to conduct fair elections or publish audited accounts.
Ad hoc administrative bodies may be appointed to temporarily run suspended organisations.
4. Code of Ethics & Safe Sports Policy
Code of Ethics
Mandatory for all recognised bodies, covering:
Ethical conduct for administrators, coaches, officials, and athletes.
Measures to protect vulnerable persons from abuse by those in positions of trust.
Alignment with international sports ethics standards.
Safe Sports Policy
A comprehensive policy framed by the NSB to:
Protect women, minors, and other vulnerable participants.
Mandate internal grievance redressal mechanisms in every sports body.
5. Privileges & Duties of Recognised Sports Organisations
Eligibility for Central Government funding.
Must comply with the Right to Information Act, 2005 for transparency.
Required to follow both International Charters and the provisions of the Act.
6. Elections & Dispute Resolution
National Sports Election Panel
Composed of retired senior election officials.
Oversees free and fair elections for Executive Committees and Athletes Committees.
Maintains a roster for use by both national and affiliate sports bodies.
National Sports Tribunal
Independent body for speedy sports dispute resolution.
Chaired by a former Supreme Court judge or High Court Chief Justice.
Handles appeals, governance disputes, and athlete grievances (excluding doping cases or matters under exclusive international jurisdiction).
Orders are enforceable as civil court decrees.
Appeals lie to the Supreme Court unless international rules mandate otherwise.
7. Use of National Names & Symbols
Any sports organisation using “India”, “Indian”, “National”, or national symbols in its name/logo must obtain Central Government approval.
Suspended or de-recognised bodies cannot use such names or organise events under them.
8. Funding & Accountability
Establishes the National Sports Board Fund.
Accounts audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG).
Annual reports submitted to Parliament.
9. Government Powers & Safeguards
Power to exempt certain sports bodies in special cases.
Ability to restrict participation in international events for national interest or security.
Protection for actions taken in good faith.
Provision to resolve conflicts between Indian law and international charters.
10. Significance & Impact
For Athletes:
Stronger grievance redressal.
Protection from harassment and exploitation.
Fairer elections and representation in sports governance.
For Sports Bodies:
Clear governance structures and compliance requirements.
Accountability through periodic reviews and audits.
For the Sports Ecosystem:
Harmonization with global standards.
Greater transparency and public trust.
Legal clarity in disputes.
The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 is one of the most comprehensive sports governance reforms in India’s history.
By combining international alignment, athlete welfare, and stringent accountability, it aims to ensure that Indian sports administration keeps pace with global best practices while also protecting the rights and interests of athletes and stakeholders.
If implemented effectively, this framework could reshape Indian sports governance for decades, fostering both excellence and integrity in the nation’s sporting journey.
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