Gender, Governance, and Glory: A Bill That Redraws India’s Sporting Blueprint

In a landmark move, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tabled the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2025, aiming to overhaul India’s sports administration ahead of its bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Key highlights of the bill:

- Establishes the National Sports Board (NSB) to regulate all national sports federations, including the BCCI

- Mandates NSFs to gain NSB recognition for access to government funding

- Proposes a National Sports Tribunal with civil court powers for resolving disputes, with appeals only allowed in the Supreme Court

- Introduces a National Sports Election Panel to ensure free and fair elections across federations

- Brings all recognised sports bodies under the RTI Act for public accountability

Athlete-centric reforms:

- Requires athlete representation, including women, in executive committees

- Promotes gender equity, anti-harassment policies, and ethical governance

- Streamlines selection protocols and ensures timely disbursement of awards and bonuses

Anti-doping compliance:

- A separate National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill was also introduced to align NADA with WADA standards

- Removes government oversight from NADA’s operations to preserve autonomy

Strategic context:

- The bill is part of India’s broader push to host the 2036 Olympics and improve international sporting performance

- It seeks to curb factionalism, reduce litigation, and foster a transparent, athlete-first ecosystem

Sources: Business Standard, Deccan Herald, India Today, The Hindu, Economic Times, Outlook India, The Hans India