National Sports Governance Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha, Proposes Sweeping Reforms

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday tabled the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, proposing significant structural reforms in India's sports administration.

- MPOST BUREAU

NEW DELHI: The bill seeks to create a powerful National Sports Board (NSB) to regulate all recognised national sports bodies, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Mandaviya introduced the bill with the stated aim of transforming the sports ecosystem in preparation for India's bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. According to the bill's statement of objectives, "It is imperative that the sports governance landscape undertransformation to goes a positive bring better outcomes, sporting excellence and aids in improved performance in major international competitions." The proposed National Sports Board will be a key regulatory body comprising a chairperson and members with expertise in areas such as sports law, public administration, and sports governance. The appointments will be made by the central government based on recommendations from a high-powered selection committee.

This committee will include the Cabinet Secretary or Sports Secretary as chairperson, along with the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two experienced sports administrators, and one renowned sportsperson who is a recipient of the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, or Dronacharya award.