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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
National Sports Governance Bill: Key features, what changes for bodies like BCCI
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in Lok Sabha. The Bill proposes two major changes to the way sport is governed in the country. The first is the formation of a National Sports Board, which will have sweeping powers to lay down rules and oversee the functioning of federations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The second is the constitution of a National Sports Tribunal, which will have the powers of a civil court. The tribunal will decide disputes ranging from selection to election involving federatios and athletes. Aggrieved athletes and administrators will no longer be able to approach the lower or high courts. The tribunal, instead, will be their first port of redressal. And its decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court. In an interview with The Indian Express, eminent sports lawyer Nandan Kamath breaks down the key aspects of the Bill, explains its significance and underlines the aspects that may need some caution. Excerpts: Why do you think a Bill like this was needed and what is its significance? If you look back, the 2007 Draft Comprehensive National Sports Policy mentions the need for a sports regulator for India. The Bill now proposes a National Sports Board along these lines—a Sebi-type body to establish a unified national structure for sport. Many of the provisions and structures in the Bill owe their origin to the National Sports Development Bills drafted – but not passed – in the early part of the last decade. You can draw a straight line from these to significant portions of the Bill. With a National Sports Board, the regulatory capacity of the government in sports will increase. The institution will get a budget and can hire specialised staff with legal and auditing expertise, for instance, to evaluate how the 56 NSFs [National Sports Federations] and their affiliates are being run. I believe this is a significant step forward. About judicial intervention… In the absence of legislation, the Sports Code of 2011 has been the administrative instrument in place that established standards for the government's recognition of National Sports Federations. Without statutory backing and regulatory institutions in place this was always going to be a stopgap measure at best, and its implementation history has indeed been chequered. This regulatory failure led to extensive judicial intervention in the affairs of sports bodies, especially with many federations being obviously run quite poorly. However, many court cases have remained unresolved for years, other judgments have been walked back on by the courts themselves. There are numerous federations being run by ad-hoc bodies and almost every federation election is now challenged in court. I don't think this is sustainable. The end goal of judicial intervention is public interest. While cleaning the stables is a means, the desired end must always be healthier sports institutions. But now, we are presuming that the tribunal will stay independent and free of conflicts. You are right, many will say 'oh, not one more tribunal', when many of our tribunals have not been successful in India. While this is a first for India, standalone dispute resolution chambers and tribunals is the model that sport follows globally. Having time-bound procedures and sports-aware people in dispute resolution is preferable so as to keep sport healthy and moving forward. Of course, any tribunal will need well-qualified, independent-minded members. Is there a similar concern for the National Sports Board, where the presumption is that the right people will be heading it? The powers proposed to be vested in the Board have always been there with the Sports Ministry. I believe that having the Board as a statutory public institution with a defined role and obligations will increase public scrutiny and transparency over how these powers are exercised. On matters relating to how decisions relating to sports bodies are made, who is making them and the reasoning for them, there is no judge more powerful than public opinion. As the saying goes, sunlight is often the best disinfectant. For instance, if there is an allegation over the conflict of interest of a member of the Board, this will play out like it did in the Sebi Chairperson's case recently. The other type of public transparency is through information about sports bodies. Right now, it is not easy to identify the appropriate district sports federation for a particular sport that governs the entry point to sport for all of us. For someone who wants to play the sport competitively, for someone who would like to hold an event or sponsor or partner, there is often nowhere to go to determine which body to deal with. The Bill proposes that the Board will register all the affiliated units of the NSFs. This first step of 'governance through information' by the Board can then lead to 'governance through standard-setting' (like Sebi does with listing standards) and 'governance through framework alignment' whereby the system comes together to work in unison. There are concessions made to administrators over the age cap and tenure. What is the logic behind increasing the age limit to 75 and doing away with the tenure issue? The logic I have seen professed is that various concessions are needed to enable more Indian administrators to be represented on, and in leadership positions within, international sports bodies. It has been suggested that it takes time and experience to first understand the game of administration locally and then establish oneself in the international fora. Of course, such perceived benefits must be balanced with the obvious risks of entrenchment and institutional capture and it is important to tread carefully. I don't know what the government's formal stance is on this, but I did see reports that the intent is for the BCCI to also come under the ambit of the law. There is no exception really for the BCCI, though it has never been recognised as an NSF thus far. If the BCCI is also covered, its constitution will have to be brought in line with this legislation. One of the material changes there will be with the existing age and tenure clauses. The BCCI constitution has a maximum of three terms of three years each in the BCCI or a state association after which an office bearer cannot be elected again. Another question is whether the BCCI becomes an Indian Olympic Association (IOA) member given the inclusion of the sport in the forthcoming Olympics? Does the Bill disenfranchise the athletes of their right to go to the courts? According to the Bill, the first port of call for disputes is the internal dispute resolution chamber and then the tribunal in an appeal. As mentioned earlier, this is in line with international sports dispute resolution structures. For instance, in the FIFA system, all participants from players to clubs are barred from approaching the ordinary courts in any country. You have to use the FIFA or member association dispute resolution chambers, and appeals lie only to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). A mature sports dispute resolution process is deliberately intended to be separate from the court structure. Keeping dispute resolution accessible, financially viable and fair to athletes will be a critical aspect of good governance.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BCCI under RTI, new super-authority & more: How National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports
The Indian government has introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to completely revamp the country's sports administration system. Although it is not yet a law, the bill marks a big step towards better structure, accountability, and fairness in Indian sports. Here are the main highlights of the bill: Age and Tenure Limits Top officials such as the President, Secretary General, and Treasurer in sports bodies will now be allowed to serve for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms, or 12 years total. Age limit is set at 70, but can be extended to 75 if required by international rules. The Executive Committee of any sports body cannot have more than 15 members, and must include: At least 2 sportspersons of merit At least 4 women members This move aims to reduce costs and encourage gender equality and athlete involvement in sports governance. National Sports Board (NSB) One of the most powerful additions in the bill is the creation of a National Sports Board (NSB). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo The NSB will have the authority to: Grant or cancel recognition of any National Sports Federation (NSF) Work with international sports bodies to protect athlete interests The NSB will be led by a Chairperson appointed by the central government. Members will be chosen by a selection committee that includes: The Cabinet Secretary or Secretary (Sports) The SAI Director General Two experienced sports administrators One award-winning sportsperson (Khel Ratna, Arjuna, or Dronacharya awardee) The NSB can de-recognise federations if they: Fail to conduct elections Show major irregularities Misuse public funds Only recognised organisations can receive government funding. Live Events National Sports Tribunal To handle the large number of legal cases (over 350 ongoing), a National Sports Tribunal will be set up. This body will have the powers of a civil court It will include: A Chairperson, who must be a Supreme Court judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court Two other members Appointments will be made by the central government, based on a committee headed by the Chief Justice of India (or nominee). Appeals can only be made to the Supreme Court, ensuring faster decisions Appeals must be filed within 30 days, unless the SC allows more time National Sports Election Panel This panel will: Be appointed by the government on NSB's advice Include retired election officials from state or national level Ensure free and fair elections in sports bodies A roster of eligible panel members will be maintained. Right to Information (RTI) Act All recognised sports bodies will now come under the RTI Act, 2005 They must be transparent about their functions, duties, and powers This clause is likely to trigger a dispute with the BCCI, which may now have to register under the NSB, especially since cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympics. The BCCI has long resisted RTI, citing its financial independence. Government's Discretionary Powers The government will have final say in several key matters, including: Use of national words/symbols (like 'India' or 'National'), needs prior approval Power to relax rules under special conditions Authority to direct the NSB or other entities for proper administration Ability to restrict national team participation in the national interest If passed into law, the National Sports Governance Bill will significantly change how Indian sports bodies are run. With clearer rules, age and term caps, financial accountability, and greater athlete involvement, the bill aims to create a more transparent and efficient sports system. For now, the bill has been introduced. A full debate and approval process will follow in Parliament. Inputs from PTI
News18
23-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Explainer: How the National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports
Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) The National Sports Governance Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and although it is still some time before it becomes an Act, the introduction itself is a landmark move to revamp and standardise India's sports administration. PTI takes a look at 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. 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 the decision-making process. National Sports Board: =============== The most talked about feature of the bill is the National Sports Board (NSB), that 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. 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 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. National Sports Election Panel: ==================== This too shall be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of the on 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 will be covered under the Right to Information Act, 2005 'with respect to the exercise of its functions, duties and powers." This is likely to be the bone of contention between the ministry and the BCCI, which will have to register itself as an NSF with the NSB after cricket became an Olympic sport, set for debut in the 2028 Games in the T20 format. The cricket board has vehemently opposed this aspect as it is not reliant on government funds for its functioning. It is highly unlikely that BCCI will agree. 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. 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. PTI PM KHS PM KHS PM (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 14:45 IST News agency-feeds Explainer: How the National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports 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.
NDTV
23-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
BCCI Official Responds To Prospect Of Being Covered Under New Sports Governance Bill
Aimed at the promotion and development of sports in the country, a new National Sports Governance Bill was tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday. If passed, it will also ensure welfare measures for sportspersons. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have to be recognised by a proposed National Sports Board. While the BCCI has previously refused to come under the National Sports Governance Bill, its secretary Devajit Saikia has suggested that the board will wait for the final verdict on the bill before coming to any conclusions. "Like all National Sports Federations, the BCCI will have to comply with the law of the land once this Bill becomes an Act. They don't take ministry funding but an Act of Parliament applies to them... They will remain an autonomous body like all other NSFs but their disputes, if any, will also come to the proposed National Sports Tribunal, which will become the dispute resolution body for sports matters ranging from elections to selection," an Indian Express report quoted a Sports Ministry official as saying. BCCI Vice-president Rajeev Shukla declared that they will first study the bill and only after that will he express his views on it. Shukla refrained from commenting on the bill before its introduction and told ANI, "We will have to study the bill after it's introduced. Only then can I express my views on it." This comes as a major development as the BCCI is an autonomous sports body, registered under the the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. Currently, there are 45 recognized NSFs that fall under the existing National Sports Governance Bill. The BCCI is responsible for overseeing all aspects of cricket in India, both domestically and internationally. The central government may establish the National Sports Board, consisting of a chairperson and other members. The chairperson and members will be appointed by the central government, possessing special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of public administration, sports governance, sports law, and other related fields. The head office of the board shall be located in Delhi, and may establish branch offices at such other places as may be prescribed. The board will have the authority to grant recognition to sports organisations and registration of affiliate units. The board will also have the power to suspend or cancel such recognition or registration.
Hans India
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
BCCI will be covered in National Sports Governance Bill
The BCCI will come under the purview of the National Sports Governance Bill that is set to be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday and will be required to take recognition from the proposed National Sports Board even though it is not reliant on government funding. This was revealed by a top Sports Ministry source on Tuesday. 'Like all National Sports federations (NSFs), the BCCI will have to comply with the law of the land once this Bill becomes an Act. They don't take ministry funding but an Act of Parliament applies to them,' the source said. 'They will remain an autonomous body like all other NSFs but their disputes, if any, will also come to the proposed National Sports Tribunal which will become the dispute resolution body for sports matter ranging from elections to selection,' the source added. 'However, this Bill does not mean government control on any NSF. Government will be a facilitator in ensuring good governance, not an enforcer.' The BCCI has become a part of the Olympic movement after cricket was included in the 2028 Los Angeles Games where it will be played in the T20 format. The long-awaited Sports Governance Bill seeks to institutionalise a strong framework for timely elections, administrative accountability, athlete welfare and reduction in litigation through a slew of measures. The National Sports Board (NSB), appointed entirely by the central government, will have sweeping powers to grant and even suspend recognition of federations based on complaints or 'its own motion' for violations ranging from electoral irregularities to financial misappropriation. The Bill makes some concessions on the thorny issue of age cap of administrators by allowing those in the bracket of 70 to 75 to contest elections if the concerned international bodies do not object. In electoral matters, the Bill will accept the 'supremacy' of the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the International Federations. The proposed 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, according to the Bill that has been finalised after extensive consultations with stake-holders and public inputs. The selection committee would be made up of the Cabinet Secretary or Secretary Sports as chairperson, 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.
