National Sports Governance Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha

On 23rd July 2025, Union Sports Minister introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to overhaul the governance of sports federations, including the BCCI, by instituting a powerful National Sports Board (NSB) and a dispute-resolving Sports Tribunal.

Key Points

National Sports Board (NSB): A new apex body to regulate, monitor, and recognise National Sports Federations (NSFs). Only NSB-recognised NSFs will be eligible for central government funding.
National Sports Tribunal: Proposed with powers equivalent to a civil court. It will adjudicate disputes related to selection, elections, and other federation matters. Its decisions will be appealable only in the Supreme Court.
Age Cap Relaxation: Administrators aged between 70–75 may contest elections if international statutes permit, relaxing the earlier cap of 70 under the national sports code.
RTI Act Applicability: All recognised national sports bodies, including the BCCI, will fall under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Olympic Bidding Context: The bill is positioned as a reform measure ahead of India’s bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics to ensure sporting excellence and transparent governance.
Composition of NSB: The Board will comprise experts with backgrounds in sports governance, public administration, and law. Members will be appointed based on recommendations from a search-cum-selection committee.