Anxiety in NSFs as Min calls for meeting

A day before a meeting between recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the sports ministry to discuss the nuances of the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024, there is anxiety among the federations. The letter addressed to president/secretary of recognised NSFs, dated October 15, called for a "stakeholders consultation" at the National Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.

- INDRANEEL DAS

Some of the NSFs felt that the meeting had been called on a very short notice. But it is understood that at least 60 members are expected to attend. Though the aim of the draft Bill is to bring in more accountability and transparency, however, there are some provisions in the proposed Bill that have led to consternation among the existing National Olympic Committee (NOC) and NSFs officials. Some even believe that if the draft Bill is passed, they would lose autonomy. These could be the focal points of discussion on Thursday. "There shall be a National Olympic Committee of India recognised by the Sports Regulatory Board of India (SRBI) subject to the provisions of this Bill." - Draft Bill. This is because of lack of clarity on certain criteria incorporated in the proposed Bill. What could be a worry is that the SRBI has the powers to recognise India's NOC and NSFs