Game-Changing Reforms

The passage of the National Sports Governance Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards reforming the way sports are managed and administered.

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Long plagued by allegations of inefficiency, opaque functioning, and political interference, many sports bodies have struggled to balance administrative control with the welfare of athletes. This legislation, once it receives presidential assent and is notified, promises a systemic overhaul aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance while giving athletes a stronger voice in decision-making.

One of the most notable features of the bill is its focus on fixed age and tenure caps for top posts in sports bodies. Limiting terms to a maximum of three consecutive stints or 12 years, and setting an age ceiling of 70 years—extendable to 75 in special cases—addresses the long-standing criticism of entrenched leaderships and lifetime presidencies in sports federations. By capping the executive committee size at 15 members, including a mandatory quota for women and sportspersons of outstanding merit, the law aligns with global calls for gender parity and athlete representation. This approach could reshape the culture of decision-making, moving it closer to athlete-centric governance rather than being dominated by administrators alone.

The establishment of the National Sports Board (NSB) as a central authority is another ambitious step. Empowered to recognise or suspend national sports federations, the Board will have the mandate to ensure compliance with fair election practices, financial transparency, and proper utilisation of public funds. Importantly, its power to act against irregularities is tempered by the requirement to consult relevant international bodies, maintaining harmony with global sporting statutes. By linking eligibility for government funding to recognition by the NSB, the bill creates a direct accountability mechanism—no federation can expect public money without adhering to governance norms.