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News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
What Is National Sports Governance Bill? All You Need To Know About The New Bill
Last Updated: The Bill, which is set to become a law, aims to revamp and standardise India's sports administration, creating a clear framework for good governance in the NSFs and the IOA. The National Sports Governance Bill, passed by both houses of Parliament, marks a significant step towards revamping and standardising India's sports administration. A day after Lok Sabha's approval, the bill was cleared in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday following extensive discussion. Here's an overview of its key features, which aim to overhaul various aspects of sports governance and the grievance redressal system for athletes and administrators in the country. The bill now awaits the presidential assent to become an act, which is expected to happen soon. Following this, the government will issue a gazette notification. Age and tenure cap: The bill sets a tenure limit of three consecutive terms, totalling 12 years, for the posts of President, Secretary General, and Treasurer in sports bodies. The age cap is set at 70, extendable up to 75 at the time of nomination if permitted by the international charter and statutes of the concerned sport. The Executive Committee strength of a sports body is capped at 15 to ensure the financial burden on the federation remains manageable. The EC must include at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit and four women. The National Sports Board (NSB) will have overriding powers to grant or suspend recognition of all National Sports Federations (NSFs) and even collaborate with international federations for athlete welfare. The NSB will consist of a chairperson, and its members will be appointed by the central government from amongst persons of ability, integrity, and standing. Appointments will be based on recommendations from a search-cum-selection committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary or Secretary Sports. Other members of this panel will include the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two sports administrators who have served as the President, Secretary General, or Treasurer of a National Sports Body, and one eminent sportsperson who is a Dronacharya, Khel Ratna, or Arjuna awardee. The Board can de-recognise a national body that fails to hold elections for its Executive Committee or has committed gross irregularities in election procedures. Failure to publish annual audited accounts or misuse, misapplication, or misappropriation of public funds will also invite suspension from the NSB, which must consult the concerned global body before proceeding. Only recognised sports organisations will be eligible to receive grants or financial assistance from the central government. The Sports Ministry reports that over 350 cases are currently pending in various courts across the country, involving issues ranging from selection to election, hampering the progress of athletes and NSFs. The establishment of a National Sports Tribunal promises to resolve these issues, as it will possess all the powers of a civil court. The Tribunal will consist of a chairperson and two other members. The head of the Tribunal will be a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court. Appointments will be made by the central government based on recommendations from a committee chaired by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge recommended by the CJI, along with the Sports Secretary and Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice. The central government can remove members in case of violations, including financial irregularities and actions prejudicial to public interest. The Tribunal's orders can only be challenged in the Supreme Court, ensuring that no lower court is involved in deciding sports-related disputes, thus making jurisprudence stable and faster. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the Tribunal's decision, but the Supreme Court has the authority to decide if a filing can be made after the deadline. This panel will also be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of the National Sports Board. It will consist of retired members of the Election Commission of India or the State Election Commission, retired Chief Electoral Officers of the states, or Deputy Election Commissioners with adequate experience. The panel will act as electoral officers to ensure free and fair elections to the Executive Committees and Athletes Committee of the sports bodies. The Board will maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel as prescribed. RTI: All recognised sports organisations dependent on government funding and support will fall under the Right to Information Act, 2005 with respect to their functions, duties, and powers. This includes the BCCI, which, although not reliant on ministry funding, will come under the bill's ambit. It must register as an NSF with the NSB, as cricket is set to debut as an Olympic sport in the 2028 Games in the T20 format. Government's discretionary powers: Any sports organisation wishing to use the word 'India," 'Indian," 'National," or any national insignia or symbols must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the central government. The central government will have the power to relax any provisions of the bill if deemed necessary and expedient in the public interest. top videos View all Additionally, the government can issue directions to the National Sports Board or any other person or entity for the efficient administration of the bill's provisions. The government will also be authorised to impose reasonable restrictions on the participation of any national team in extraordinary circumstances and in the national interest. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : India Indian Olympics Association (IOA) ioa lok sabha rajya sabha view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 12, 2025, 20:00 IST News sports What Is National Sports Governance Bill? All You Need To Know About The New Bill Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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First Post
6 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
National Sports Governance Bill: All you need to know about the new bill as BCCI exempted from RTI
The National Sports Governance Bill was on Tuesday passed by the Parliament with Rajya Sabha giving its nod a mere 24 hours after Lok Sabha. The National Sports Governance Bill was passed in the Parliament and it will not bring the powerful BCCI under RTI. Image: PTI/Reuters New Delhi: The National Sports Governance Bill, which has been passed by both houses of Parliament, is a landmark move to revamp and standardise India's sports administration. A day after Lok Sabha's approval, the bill was cleared in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday after extensive discussion. PTI presents an overview of its salient features that promise to overhaul several aspects of sports governance and the grievance redressal system for athletes and administrators alike in the country. The bill now awaits a presidential assent to become an act, which is not likely to take too long. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After this a gazette notification will be brought out by the government. Age and tenure cap: The bill fixes the tenure limit at three consecutive terms adding up to 12 years for the posts of President, Secretary General and Treasurer in sports bodies. The age cap has been kept at 70, extending up to 75 at the time of nomination if permitted by the international charter and statutes of the concerned sport. The Executive Committee strength of a sports body has been capped at 15 to ensure that the financial burden on the federation is not high. The EC would be mandated to have at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit and four women in the ranks. The provision is in line with the international push to ensure gender parity in sports governance and make athletes a prominent stakeholder in decision-making process. National Sports Board: The National Sports Board (NSB) will have overriding powers to grant or suspend recognition of all National Sports Federations (NSFs) and even 'collaborate' with the international federations for athlete welfare. The NSB will comprise a chairperson, and its members will be appointed by the central government from 'amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing.' The appointments would be done based on the recommendations of a search- cum-selection committee, which would have the Cabinet Secretary or Secretary Sports as chairperson. The other members of this panel will be the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two sports administrators who have each served as the President or Secretary General or Treasurer of a National Sports Body and one eminent sportsperson who is a Dronacharya, or Khel Ratna or Arjuna awardee. The Board has been empowered to de-recognise a national body that fails to hold elections for its Executive Committee or has committed 'gross irregularities in the election procedures.' In addition, failure to publish annual audited accounts or 'misused, misapplied or misappropriated public funds' would also invite suspension from the NSB but it would be required to consult the concerned global body before proceeding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Only a recognised sports organisation will be eligible to receive grants or any other financial assistance from the central government. National Sports Tribunal: According to the Sports Ministry, over 350 cases are currently in progress in various courts of the country over issues ranging from selection to election, significantly hampering the progress of athletes and NSFs. The setting up of a National Sports Tribunal promises to end that for good as it would have 'all the powers of a civil court.' It will comprise a chairperson and two other members. The head of the Tribunal would be a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court. The appointments to this would also be in the hands of the central government based on recommendations of a committee that will be headed by Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge recommended by the CJI and comprise the Sports Secretary and Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice. The central government will have the power to remove its members in case of violations, including financial irregularities and actions prejudicial to 'public interest'. The orders of this Tribunal would only be challengeable in the Supreme Court, which will ensure that no lower court would be involved in deciding disputes related to sports, making 'jurisprudence stable and faster'. The appeal will also have to be filed within 30 days of the tribunal's decision but the Supreme Court will have the authority to decide if a filing can be done on the expiry of the deadline. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD National Sports Election Panel: This too shall be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of the National Sports Board. The panel will be made up of retired members of the Election Commission of India or the State Election Commission or retired Chief Electoral Officers of the States or Deputy Election Commissioners, with 'adequate experience'. The panel will act as 'electoral officers' to oversee the conduct of free and fair elections to the Executive Committees and the Athletes Committee of the sports bodies. The Board shall maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel, in such manner as may be prescribed. RTI: All recognised sports organisations, which are dependent on government funding and support, will be covered under the Right to Information Act, 2005 'with respect to the exercise of its functions, duties and powers.' This ensures that the BCCI, which is not relying on ministry funding, will readily come under the bill's ambit. It will have to register itself as an NSF with the NSB as cricket is set to debut as an Olympic sport in the 2028 Games in the T20 format. Govt's discretionary powers: Any sports organisation wanting to use the word 'India' or 'Indian' or 'National' or any national insignia or symbols will have to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the central government. The central government, if it considers 'necessary' and expedient in the public interest, will have also have the power to 'relax' any of the provisions mentioned in the bill. In addition, the government can also give such directions to the National Sports Board or any other person or entity for the 'efficient administration' of the provisions of this bill. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government will also be authorised to 'impose reasonable restrictions on the participation of any national team of a concerned sport' under extraordinary circumstances and in the national interest.
Mint
5 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
'Shut up, lower your head & do as we say': Lovlina Borgohain accuses BFI official of ‘humiliation' - here' what happened
Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain has accused Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) executive director and interim committee member Col Arun Malik (Retd) for raising his voice against her and 'speaking aggressively' in a meeting that had boxing coach Pranamika Boro, respected individuals from Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and other BFI members. According to a TOI report, the incident took place during a TOPs meeting which was held virtually on July 8. Describing her experience one of the worst in her life, Borgohain stated she was 'deeply hurt, disheartened and also questioned the respect and dignity women athletes receive. Borgohain, who is a reigning middleweight world champion and a recipient of Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, had already sent a complaint letter to sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Sports Authority of India director general Hari Ranjan Rao, TOPS division, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and BFI. In her letter, Borgohain wrote, "I write this letter not just as an athlete, but as a woman who has spent years carrying the hopes of a nation in the boxing ring — with pride, pain and perseverance. What happened during a recent official meeting with the BFI and the TOPS on July 8, 2024, at 12pm has left me deeply hurt, disheartened. "In the presence of respected individuals from TOPS, boxing coach Pranamika Boro, (other) BFI members, Mr Arun Malik, an official of BFI, humiliated me in a way no athlete should ever have to endure. He raised his voice at me, spoke in an aggressively demeaning manner, and blatantly told me to 'shut up, lower your head and do as we say'. 'His words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory and authoritarian dominance — something that no one, especially a woman who has brought honour to the nation, should be subjected to,' the letter further added. 'In a space where I expected professionalism, support and mutual respect, I was made to feel small, unheard, and powerless. It was not just a personal insult — it was an attack on every woman athlete who dreams of standing tall, both in and outside the ring...,' Borgohain, who is part of the Indian contingent for the World Championships in Liverpool, further wrote in her letter. "I request the authorities for a fair and swift inquiry into Malik's conduct during the meeting and necessary disciplinary action if these actions are found to be in violation of acceptable conduct," she concluded.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Boxing official accused of insulting India's Olympic medallist - Here's what he said
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Olympian boxer Lovlina Borgohain during the inauguration of her boxing academy, in Guwahati. (PTI Photo)(PTI06_05_2025_000155B) Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has accused Col Arun Malik (Retd), Executive Director and interim committee member of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), of "disrespectful and gender-discriminatory behaviour. " The reigning world middleweight champion and Khel Ratna awardee stated that the episode 'left me deeply hurt, disheartened, and questioning the respect and dignity we, as women athletes, truly receive.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! However, Malik had denied all allegations. 'Lovlina is the pride of the nation, and we at BFI take immense pride in her achievements, especially her Olympic bronze," Malik said in a statement. "I respectfully and categorically deny the allegations levelled. The call in question was thoroughly professional in its entirety. Poll Do you believe Lovlina Borgohain's accusations against Col Arun Malik are justified? Yes, I support her. No, I don't believe her. Unsure/Need more information. "It was attended by officials from SAI and TOPS and was officially recorded by the host. The same recording is with the respective officials for review. Matters raised by Lovlina were duly noted and addressed in line with BFI's established policies, which apply uniformly to all athletes.' Lovlina Borgohain is set to take place in Liverpool in September. The 20-member squad was finalised after the boxers went through a week-long assessment at the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala. The tournament, to be held from September 4 to 14, will be the first World Championships held under the aegis of the new governing body of the sport, World Boxing. It will feature competitions in 10 weight classes for men and women. It will also be for the first time ever that male and female boxers would compete in an Olympics-style boxing at the same event for the title of World Boxing Champion. Borgohain had missed the women's nationals in March. The Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Borgohain had missed the event as the Assam state unit refused to send her due to infighting in the federation. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Lovlina alleges 'humiliating behaviour' by BFI official, he 'respectfully' denies
NEW DELHI: Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist has accused Boxing Federation of India's executive director and interim committee member Col Arun Malik (Retd) of "disrespectful and gender-discriminatory behaviour". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Indian Olympic Association has started a probe into these allegations. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. TOI has exclusively obtained Lovlina's two-page complaint, in which the reigning middleweight world champion and a recipient of Khel Ratna and , accused Malik of "demeaning" her achievements and "humiliating" her during a Target Olympic Podium Scheme meeting held via Zoom on July 8 last month. She described the experience as one that "left me deeply hurt, disheartened, and questioned the respect and dignity we, as women athletes, truly receive". Poll Do you agree that athletes should have the right to choose their coaches? Yes, it's essential for their success. No, it should be decided by the federation. Malik denied all allegations and stated that the federation remained committed to supporting its athletes while upholding fairness, transparency and equal opportunity. In a statement, Malik said, "Lovlina is the pride of the nation, and we at BFI take immense pride in her achievements, especially her Olympic bronze. I respectfully and categorically deny the allegations levelled. The call in question was thoroughly professional in its entirety. It was attended by officials from SAI and TOPS and was officially recorded by the host. The same recording is with the respective officials for review. Matters raised by Lovlina were duly noted and addressed in line with BFI's established policies, which apply uniformly to all athletes." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lovlina sent her complaint to sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Sports Authority of India director general Hari Ranjan Rao, TOPS division, IOA and BFI. In response, IOA has formed a three-member committee under the ministry's directives. The committee includes TOPS CEO Nachhatar Singh Johal, table tennis legend and IOA's athletes commission vice-chairperson Sharath Kamal and a female advocate. Tasked with submitting a report within two weeks, the committee has yet to release its findings despite nearly a month passing. Additionally, Ritu Pathik, SAI's executive director of the TEAMS division, is investigating the matter independently. In her complaint, Lovlina stated: "I write this letter not just as an athlete, but as a woman who has spent years carrying the hopes of a nation in the boxing ring — with pride, pain and perseverance. What happened during a recent official meeting with the BFI and the TOPS on July 8, 2024, at 12pm has left me deeply hurt, disheartened. In the presence of respected individuals from TOPS, boxing coach Pranamika Boro, (other) BFI members, Mr Arun Malik, an official of BFI, humiliated me in a way no athlete should ever have to endure. He raised his voice at me, spoke in an aggressively demeaning manner, and blatantly told me to 'shut up, lower your head and do as we say'. His words were not only disrespectful but also carried an alarming tone of gender-discriminatory and authoritarian dominance — something that no one, especially a woman who has brought honour to the nation, should be subjected to." Lovlina, who is part of the Indian boxing contingent for the forthcoming World Championships in Liverpool, UK, from Sept 4 to 14, added: "In a space where I expected professionalism, support and mutual respect, I was made to feel small, unheard, and powerless. It was not just a personal insult — it was an attack on every woman athlete who dreams of standing tall, both in and outside the ring... I request the authorities for a fair and swift inquiry into Malik's conduct during the meeting and necessary disciplinary action if these actions are found to be in violation of acceptable conduct. " The dispute arose when Lovlina requested the expertise of Pranamika Boro, a long-serving coach of the Indian women's boxing team and part of the country's contingent for the Paris Olympics 2024, to be her personal coach at the elite national camp in NIS Patiala and to allow her to train abroad in Europe in preparation for the Liverpool Worlds. It is alleged that Malik rejected her proposals before the TOPS division could consider them. The TOPS meeting was convened at Lovlina's special request to discuss her demands. When contacted, Lovlina told TOI, "I don't wish to comment at this juncture when an investigation is on. I have full faith in the committee and its findings. I will wait for the report to come before publicly commenting."
