National Sports Governance Bill

Introduced to Reform Indian Sports

The Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha in July 2025.

The proposed legislation aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to all sports federations, including the influential Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), especially in light of India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Key Aspects:

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presented the Bill in the Lok Sabha.

The Bill proposes the creation of a powerful National Sports Board (NSB). This NSB will be responsible for:

Laying down governance rules for sports.

Overseeing the operations of all National Sports Federations (NSFs), which includes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Bill mandates that recognition by the NSB will be essential for sports bodies to gain access to:

 Union Government funding.

International representation.

The Bill also proposes the establishment of a National Sports Tribunal

This tribunal will be vested with powers akin to a civil court to handle matters such as:

 Arbitration in sports-related disputes.

 Addressing athlete grievances.

Resolving disputes over selection, funding, and other administrative issues.

The legislation seeks to reform Indian sports governance fundamentally; a critical step being taken in view of India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.