Transforming Sports Governance: The National Sports Governance Bill

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presented the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, seeking to overhaul the regulation of sports bodies, including the influential BCCI. The proposed legislation introduces a National Sports Board (NSB) tasked with enhancing accountability within federations. Recognition from the NSB will be mandatory for national sports federations to access central government funding.

A key component of the bill is the formulation of a National Sports Tribunal, vested with civil court powers to handle disputes from selections to federation elections. Although the age limit for administrators remains a contentious issue, the bill provides some flexibility, allowing officials aged 70-75 to seek roles if in line with international statutes.

The NSB will hold broad authority, from de-recognising non-compliant bodies to endorsing transparency through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Amid plans to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, the bill aims at enhancing governance standards, curtailing factionalism, and preparing sports infrastructure for international competitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)