National Sports Governance Act, 2025: A Landmark Reform in Indian Sports

India has entered a transformative phase in sports governance with the passage of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. After being introduced in Parliament on July 23, the Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 11 and the Rajya Sabha on August 12, before receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on August 18. With this, India has given a statutory foundation to its sports administration, replacing the older Sports Development Code of 2011. The Act aims to bring greater transparency, accountability, and fairness in sports management, aligning Indian sports with global best practices and strengthening the country’s preparations for its ambitious 2036 Olympic bid.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya (X) | News18

Objectives and Vision Behind the Act

The National Sports Governance Act is designed to resolve long-standing issues of mismanagement, political interference, and lack of accountability in sports bodies. It introduces a legal framework that not only regulates national federations but also ensures that the welfare of athletes is at the center of every decision. By introducing ethical codes, dispute resolution mechanisms, and transparent electoral processes, the Act promises to bridge the gap between India’s vast sporting talent and the administrative inefficiencies that often hold it back.

New Governance Structures

At the heart of the Act is the creation of new governance institutions. The National Sports Board (NSB) has been established as the apex regulatory authority, responsible for recognizing federations, issuing guidelines, ensuring compliance, and overseeing the proper use of funds. The NSB also has powers to conduct inquiries and constitute ad hoc bodies in cases of malpractice. Only those federations recognized by the NSB will be eligible for government funding, giving the Board significant authority over the functioning of sports organizations.

The Act also establishes a National Sports Tribunal to address disputes quickly and fairly. This quasi-judicial body will act as the final authority within the country, with appeals only possible in the Supreme Court or, in certain cases, the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Alongside this, a National Sports Election Panel has been created to oversee elections in sports bodies, ensuring fairness and eliminating irregularities that have historically plagued these processes.

Representation, Ethics, and Athlete Welfare

The Act emphasizes inclusivity and ethical governance. It mandates that executive committees of sports federations must include women and eminent sportspersons, ensuring diverse representation at decision-making levels. To promote fairness, age and tenure limits have been imposed on office bearers, preventing individuals from holding power indefinitely.

A Code of Ethics and a Safe Sports Policy are now compulsory for all national federations. These measures are particularly focused on protecting women, minors, and vulnerable groups within the sports ecosystem. They also strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, giving athletes a direct platform to raise concerns without fear of bias or suppression. By bringing recognized sports bodies under the Right to Information Act, the law also opens up their functioning to public scrutiny, a move that is expected to increase transparency in high-profile organizations such as the BCCI.

Government Powers and National Interests

The Act empowers the central government to make crucial decisions in extraordinary situations. For instance, the government has the authority to restrict international tours and participation if it believes such engagements go against national interests. This provision has been highlighted in the context of cricket, where no bilateral tour has taken place between India and Pakistan since 2008 due to political and security concerns.

At the same time, the government retains flexibility to exempt certain federations or adapt regulations to align with international sporting norms. This ensures that while the system remains strict and transparent, it does not obstruct India’s ability to compete at the global stage.

A Step Towards Olympic Ambitions

One of the broader visions of the National Sports Governance Act is to strengthen India’s claim as a serious contender for hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. The reforms create a standardized, accountable, and transparent structure that resonates with international expectations from host nations. Sports leaders, including Olympic legend P. T. Usha, have hailed the Act as a “turning point” for Indian sports, predicting that it will end decades of stagnation and usher in a new era of professionalism and athlete-first governance.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 marks a watershed moment in India’s sports journey. By laying down clear rules for governance, elections, ethics, and dispute resolution, it dismantles entrenched systems of favoritism and opacity that have hindered progress for years. The implementation of the Act will now determine its true success, as the government begins setting up the National Sports Board, Tribunal, and Election Panel.

If executed effectively, the Act has the potential to transform the culture of sports administration in India. It promises not just better governance, but also a future where athletes are given the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. As India looks ahead to the 2036 Olympics and beyond, this reform could well be the foundation upon which the nation builds its next great sporting chapter.

(Sources: News18, Firstpost, Economic Times)