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India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
BCCI to come under National Sports Bill. How will it impact cricket body?
A top Sports Ministry source confirmed to India Today on Tuesday, July 22, that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will come under the ambit of the National Sports Bill. While the BCCI does not rely on government funding, its inclusion was widely anticipated, especially with Indian cricket teams set to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles draft Sports Bill was unveiled by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday to reform the sports ecosystem in India. Roger Binny, who is currently serving as the BCCI president, turned 70 on Saturday, July 19, meaning that he had reached the age limit and would have been asked to step down. With the Sports Bill coming into effect, the BCCI as a National Sports Federation (NSF) is expected to come under its until 2019, BCCI wasn't a NSF. It came under the RTI act in 2020. But with the sports bill covering it, BCCI will automatically become an NSF, and all rules of the sports ministry will be applicable. WHAT IS THE NATIONAL SPORTS BILL? The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, aimed at overhauling the functioning of National Sports Federations (NSFs) and other sports bodies. The proposed legislation seeks to introduce transparency, athlete-centric reforms, and global best practices into the country's sports governance draft Bill comes after years of unsuccessful attempts at reform and is intended to ensure ethical conduct, protect athletes' rights, and create a professional and dispute-free environment across the sporting ecosystem. It also seeks to align India's sports governance structure with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, thereby strengthening the country's credentials to host major international events, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.A key feature of the Bill is its focus on athletes. For the first time, sportspersons will be at the centre of policy-making. All NSFs, including the Indian Olympic Association and the National Paralympic Committee, will be required to establish Athletes' Committees. These panels will provide sportspersons with a formal platform to voice concerns and contribute to decision-making Bill also mandates that two sportspersons of outstanding merit be part of the Executive Committees of all recognised sports bodies. To improve gender representation, it makes it compulsory to include at least four women in every Executive address the issue of prolonged legal disputes, the Bill proposes the formation of a National Sports Tribunal. This body will serve as a dedicated mechanism for resolving sports-related conflicts. Its decisions can be challenged only in the Supreme Court, thereby reducing delays that have impacted the careers of several cases where federations are suspended or lose recognition, the Bill authorises the proposed National Sports Board (NSB) to appoint ad-hoc administrative bodies. These interim panels will be composed of experienced sports administrators, ensuring continuity in training, selection, and athlete NSB, a newly proposed entity, will act as the central authority for granting recognition to NSFs and their state and district affiliates. It will also oversee governance, compliance, and the distribution of funds. By taking over the regulatory responsibilities of the Ministry, the NSB aims to bring professionalism and autonomy to sports Bill places a strong emphasis on transparency. All recognised sports bodies will be brought under the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005, enabling public access to decision-making processes and financial National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, marks a significant step towards reshaping India's sporting landscape through structural reforms, enhanced accountability, and athlete-first CAN THE BILL AFFECT SPORTS FEDERATIONS?The upcoming Sports Governance Bill, though it drops the word "regulatory," is poised to bring sweeping changes to Indian sport by setting up a powerful National Sports Board (NSB) with the authority to suspend sports federations either based on complaints or its own initiative. The proposed body, entirely appointed by the central government, will have the mandate to act on issues ranging from flawed elections to financial mismanagement within national to the draft finalised after multiple rounds of consultation with stakeholders and public input, the NSB will be headed by a chairperson and staffed by members selected through a search-cum-selection process overseen by the government. The selection panel will be chaired by either the Cabinet Secretary or the Secretary of Sports and will include the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two former top office-bearers of national federations, and a decorated athlete who has received either the Arjuna, Khel Ratna or Dronacharya first proposed in last year's draft, the Board will be empowered to recognise national federations and appoint ad-hoc panels to oversee sports bodies that have been suspended. It will also be responsible for engaging with international federations to ensure athlete welfare and for issuing binding guidelines to national federations to bring their functioning in line with global standards.- EndsMust Watch


News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
National Sports Bill 2025: Ushering In New Era Of Transparent, Athlete-First Sports Governance
Last Updated: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has unveiled the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2025 to reform India's sports, ensuring transparency and athlete-focused policies. In a landmark move aimed at reforming the sports ecosystem in India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has unveiled the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2025. The Bill seeks to bring in transparency, athlete-centric reforms and global best practices in the functioning of National Sports Federations and other sports bodies. The draft legislation, which comes after years of failed attempts, aims to ensure fair and ethical governance of sports bodies, protect athletes' rights and promote a dispute-free and professional environment across Indian sports. In what could be a game-changing reform for Indian sports, the Government of India is all set to introduce the National Sports Bill 2025, a sweeping legislation aimed at transforming how sports bodies function, athletes are treated and governance is structured. The Bill proposes aligning Indian sports governance with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, ensuring that the country is better positioned to host major international events, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympics. At its heart, the Bill is unapologetically athlete-centric. For the first time, athletes will not just be part of the system; they will be at the core of policy-making. Every National Sports Federation, including the National Olympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee, will be required to establish Athletes' Committees. These will give sportspersons a legitimate platform to voice concerns, influence decisions and contribute to policy planning. Crucially, the Bill mandates that two sportspersons of outstanding merit must be part of the Executive Committees of these bodies, ensuring that key decisions include voices from the field. Women, long underrepresented in sports leadership, will finally have a guaranteed seat at the table. The Bill makes it mandatory to have at least four women in every Executive Committee, a long-overdue step toward gender parity in sports governance. To address the recurring issue of prolonged legal disputes, the Bill proposes the creation of a dedicated National Sports Tribunal, a one-stop mechanism for resolving sports-related conflicts. The Tribunal's decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court, drastically reducing the time and uncertainty that has derailed many sporting careers in the past. In situations where federations lose recognition or are suspended, the Bill empowers the National Sports Board to set up ad-hoc administrative bodies. These will be composed of experienced sports administrators, not retired judges, ensuring that training, selection and participation of athletes continue without disruption. The NSB itself is a newly proposed body that will serve as the central authority for granting recognition to NSFs, as well as their state and district affiliates. It will also oversee compliance, funding and governance. By replacing the ministry's current role, the NSB aims to bring professionalism and autonomy into the sports ecosystem. Transparency is a recurring theme throughout the Bill. All recognised sports bodies will now be brought under the Right to Information Act, 2005, allowing public access to decision-making processes and financial details. Ethics Committees and Dispute Resolution Committees will be mandatory across all sports organisations, helping enforce accountability and fair practices. The Bill also sets clear eligibility criteria and structural reforms for Executive Committees. Their size is capped at 15 members to avoid administrative bloat and candidates must be over 25 years of age. Those contesting top posts like President or Secretary General must either be sportspersons of merit or have prior experience in governance. To promote leadership that's both ethical and experienced, the Bill sets an age limit of 70 years for most positions, with some flexibility up to 75 under certain conditions. Tenures are capped at 12 years, with mandatory cooling-off periods, aligning with international best practices. Another significant highlight is the emphasis on athlete safety, especially for women and minors. A new Safe Sports Policy will be introduced to ensure protective measures are in place across federations. Only recognised bodies will now be allowed to use national symbols such as the Indian flag or national names, safeguarding national identity from misuse by unregistered or rogue entities. By integrating structural reforms, legal clarity, gender equality, athlete empowerment and public transparency, the National Sports Bill 2025 lays the foundation for a sporting ecosystem that is modern, ethical and globally competitive. More than just legislation, it signals the beginning of a new sporting era for India, one where athletes are not merely participants, but stakeholders in the nation's sporting journey. India's sports landscape has long been plagued by controversies, from court battles over federation elections to mismanagement and lack of athlete representation. Currently, more than 350 court cases are pending regarding sports federations, creating serious hurdles in governance and sports promotion. The judiciary, too, has repeatedly nudged the government to legislate a comprehensive governance framework. Attempts to introduce a comprehensive sports governance law have been in the works since 2011. Various efforts, ranging from revised drafts and public consultations to committee reports, were stymied due to legal hurdles, court interventions and political transitions. Notably, the Delhi High Court's upholding of the 2011 Sports Code and pending court cases over the 2017 draft code halted earlier progress. Officials say that the Bill will not only bring structural reform but also help generate employment, protect athletes, especially women and minors and pave the way for India's emergence as a global sporting power. 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 : National Sports Federations National Sports Governance Bill 2024 view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 22, 2025, 09:16 IST News sports National Sports Bill 2025: Ushering In New Era Of Transparent, Athlete-First Sports Governance 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.


United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Gothia Cup winning Indian team felicitated
New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) Special Olympics Bharat hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony today to honour the outstanding performance of the Indian football teams at the recently concluded Gothia Cup 2025, held in Gothenburg, Sweden. The ceremony was graced by President of Special Olympics Bharat Dr. Mallika Nadda and Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse along with support from SKF, Special Olympics Bharat Boys' Team and the Haryana U-15 Girls' Team were selected to represent India at the 2025 Gothia Cup, which also completed 50 years of its inception in this edition. The Special Olympics Bharat boys' team defended their title with unmatched resolve, emerging Gothia Cup champions for the second consecutive year. Their journey was a powerful display of confidence, camaraderie, and rising above limits- qualities that define not just the team, but the inclusive movement they represent. India lifted the 2025 Gothia Cup after dominating the final and defeating Poland by 3-1. Ankush Kumar (8', 14') scored a brace and Saheer Muhammad (29') scored a goal as well, emerging as the stars in the final for India. Saheer also emerged as the top goalscorer for India, recording a total of 7 goals while Ankush and Stalin Kumar followed with 3 and 2 goals respectively. Raksha Khadse, Hon'ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, said, 'These young athletes have reminded us of what India truly stands for- unyielding courage, quiet determination and the unstoppable strength of unity. Watching them not just participate, but rise as champions and changemakers on a global platform, stirs pride in every Indian heart. Their journey is more than a victory — it is a powerful reflection of the India we believe in, where every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves the chance to shine.' 'The back-to-back triumph of SO Bharat athletes on global stage is a beacon of perseverance and their fierce and fearless performance is a testament to their confidence and capability to lead. This is not just a celebration. It is a call to action- to invest, include, and believe,' said Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat. UNI RKM


Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mandaviya calls for spiritual institutions to lead 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' campaign at Kashi Summit
Varanasi , Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday called on spiritual institutions to lead the campaign for a drug-free India, describing them as the backbone of the "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat" initiative. Mandaviya calls for spiritual institutions to lead 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' campaign at Kashi Summit Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit saw participation from over 600 youth leaders, over 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, academicians, and domain experts. The event was seen as a key step towards achieving a drug-free society by 2047. Speaking at the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi, where the Kashi Declaration was formally adopted, Mandaviya said, "Bharat's spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat." "We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective discussion, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared Sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat," the minister added. The Kashi Declaration affirms a national consensus to address substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge, and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Key proposals include setting up a Joint National Committee, regular progress reporting, and a national support platform for affected individuals. The summit featured four plenary sessions on the psychological and societal impacts of drug abuse, trafficking networks, awareness strategies, and the role of spiritual and cultural bodies in rehabilitation and prevention. Echoing the spiritual tone of the summit, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said, "This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna, where discipline and values guide life's journey towards moksha. We are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation." He warned that a country where 65 per cent of the population is youth cannot afford to fall into addiction. "Only those who break free from it will be able to build the future," he said. Under the MY Bharat framework, the summit has laid the foundation for a national youth-led anti-drug campaign. Volunteers and youth clubs will lead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and community outreach efforts. The Kashi Declaration will serve as the charter for these initiatives and its progress will be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in 2026. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.


Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Youth free from addiction essential for India's development: Mandaviya
1 2 Varanasi: Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said India can become a developed nation only when the youth remain free from both digital and substance abuse. "We need to make our youth addiction-free to realise the dream of a developed India by 2047. Leaders of religious and social organisations must join the drug-free India campaign to keep our youth away from drugs, mobile phones and reels," Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day 'Youth Spiritual Summit' at the Rudraksha Convention Centre on Saturday. The summit was launched by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with the theme 'Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India'. It brought together more than 600 participants representing 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations from all over the country. Mandaviya said on 15 Aug, 2022, during India's 76th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his vision for the next 25 years through the 'Panch Pran' of Amrit Kaal. The minister emphasised that youth would play a vital role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, as 65% of the population is under the age of 35. "Our young generation must not only be seen as beneficiaries but also as changemakers who shape the future of the nation. However, substance abuse is one of the biggest threats facing youth today. Addiction is trapping them at a crucial point in life and posing a serious challenge to national progress," he said. The minister urged religious and social leaders to use their platforms to spread awareness among youth about staying away from addiction. "A single camp or limited efforts are not enough—we need a mass movement where every citizen pledges to inspire at least five others to join the anti-drug campaign," he said. The summit will conclude on Sunday with the release of the 'Kashi Declaration,' a document reflecting the collective vision and commitment of youth and spiritual leaders. This document will offer a detailed action plan for building a drug-free India and act as a guiding charter for policymakers, civil society organisations and youth networks working in the fields of de-addiction and rehabilitation. The summit features four thematic sessions focused on key areas: understanding addiction and its impact on youth; breaking drug trafficking networks and commercial interests; designing effective campaigns and outreach strategies; and building a long-term commitment toward a drug-free India by 2047.