Mansukh Mandaviya Introduces National Sports Governance Bill for Enhanced Accountability in Federations Including BCCI

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The National Sports Governance Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. This bill aims to establish a Board with extensive authority to set rules and supervise federations, including the BCCI.

A National Sports Board (NSB) is proposed to ensure accountability, requiring all National Sports Federations to gain NSB recognition for central government funding access.

The bill also suggests forming a National Sports Tribunal with civil court powers to resolve disputes involving federations and athletes. Decisions made by this Tribunal can only be contested in the Supreme Court. The bill allows administrators aged 70 to 75 to contest elections if international statutes permit, deviating from the previous age cap of 70.

Focus on Sports Governance

The bill's objectives highlight the need for improved sports governance to enhance performance in international competitions. It emphasises transforming the sports governance landscape as part of preparations for bidding for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. The bill also mandates that recognised national sports bodies fall under the Right to Information Act, which the BCCI has opposed due to its independence from government funding.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla commented on the bill, stating, "Now we have to study the bill and we will have to see if we need to place it before the Committee Apex Council. We can only comment after that." He added that BCCI members would review the bill's clauses and discuss with the government if necessary.

National Sports Board Composition

The NSB will include a chairperson and members appointed by the central government. These individuals should possess expertise in public administration, sports governance, sports law, or related fields. Appointments will follow recommendations from a search-cum-selection committee formed after consultations with stakeholders and public input.

This selection committee will consist of the Cabinet Secretary or Secretary of Sports as chairperson, the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two experienced sports administrators, and one eminent sportsperson who is a Dronacharya, Khel Ratna, or Arjuna awardee.

Addressing Governance Challenges

The bill aims to improve sports body governance and reduce disputes involving federations. It stresses curbing factionalism and administrative interventions that hinder organised sports development in India. The NSB can de-recognise national bodies failing to hold Executive Committee elections or committing election irregularities.

Failure to publish audited accounts or misuse public funds could lead to NSB action after consulting relevant global bodies. The bill also proposes a National Sports Election Panel comprising former Election Commission members to oversee fair elections for Executive Committees and Athletes Committees of National Sports Bodies.

Amendments in Anti-Doping Legislation

Mandaviya also introduced The National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill-2025, addressing changes sought by WADA regarding government interference in NADA's functioning. Originally passed in 2022, its implementation was delayed due to WADA's objections against a National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports overseeing NADA.

The amended bill retains this Board but removes its oversight powers over NADA and its advisory role. This change aligns with WADA's stance against government interference in autonomous bodies.

With inputs from PTI