Despite being passed amid Opposition protests, the bill is a potential game changer that could reshape India’s sporting landscape
At long last, administrative reforms are beginning to take shape for the long-neglected world of Indian sport. It is no secret that India’s medal tally at global events falls far short of the true potential of its athletes. A vast pool of talent has too often been squandered under the weight of bureaucratic red tape, while sportspersons struggle for basic amenities even as governing bodies sit atop generous budgets. On more than one occasion, India’s contingents at international competitions have had more officials than athletes, highlighting the skewed priorities in the system. Now, it appears that change is finally on the horizon — or at the very least, that the first real steps are being taken in that direction.
The Lok Sabha, on August 11, 2025, passed the long-awaited National Sports Governance Bill along with the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, marking what Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described as the “single biggest reform in Indian sport since independence.” Most Opposition members were absent when the bills were introduced, having been detained during a march to the Election Commission.
Mandaviya called the passage of the Sports Governance Bill a transformative moment, one that would ensure accountability, deliver justice, and establish the highest standards of governance in sports federations.
The bill introduces a sweeping institutional overhaul aimed at reshaping how sport is governed in the country. It creates a National Sports Board with the authority to recognise, fund, or even derecognise sports bodies — including cricket’s powerful BCCI — based on their adherence to governance norms, transparency, and ethical conduct. It also sets up a National Sports Tribunal with civil court powers to handle disputes swiftly and fairly, with appeals permitted only in the Supreme Court. Transparency is a central theme, with recognised sports bodies brought under the ambit of the Right to Information Act, allowing their functioning to be scrutinised by the public. While recent amendments have provided certain exemptions, the push for openness is a clear shift from the opaque practices that have long plagued Indian sports administration. In addition, the bill imposes strict age and tenure caps on top office-bearers, limiting their total term to 12 years and capping the age at 70, extendable to 75 in special cases to align with global norms. Executive committees will now be more inclusive, with mandatory representation for women and celebrated sportspersons, ensuring that decision-making reflects both diversity and lived sporting experience.
Beyond structural reform, the legislation signals India’s growing ambition on the global sporting stage. By professionalising governance and aligning with international standards, the country strengthens its case for hosting major events, including the Olympics. If implemented effectively, the National Sports Governance Bill could usher in a new era where transparency, fairness, and professionalism replace patronage and opacity — giving Indian athletes and federations the solid foundation they need to compete and excel at the highest levels.Pioneer
