The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, passed during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, marks reform in the administration of sports in India. It replaces the earlier National Sports Development Code of India, which was a temporary and inadequate framework. The Act aims to end long-standing issues of misgovernance and politicisation in national sports federations. It introduces a comprehensive legal structure to regulate and recognise sports bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Background and Need for the Act
Before 2025, Indian sports federations operated under the National Sports Development Code. This code was a set of provisional rules drafted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Many federations were controlled by political figures and their associates. Electoral fraud, tenure violations, and administrative delays were common. Courts frequently intervened, appointing Committees of Administrators to manage federations temporarily. Several federations faced suspensions from global bodies like FIFA and the International Wrestling Federation due to governance failures.
Key Provisions of the Act
The Act empowers the Centre to create a National Sports Board to recognise national and regional sports bodies. It formally establishes the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, and federations for each sport. Each body must adopt a code of conduct aligned with international standards. The Executive Committees of federations are limited to 15 members, including at least two outstanding sportspersons and four women. Age and tenure limits are set to prevent monopolies in sports administration.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism
A National Sports Tribunal will be constituted to handle disputes related to sports federations. This specialised tribunal will reduce litigation delays by involving experts in sports governance. Appeals against its decisions will lie only with the Supreme Court. This provision aims to provide faster and more effective resolution of conflicts in the sports sector.
Election Oversight and Compliance
The Act mandates the formation of a national panel of electoral officers to oversee elections of national sports bodies. Federations must also create panels to supervise elections at affiliate levels. Strict disqualification norms are introduced to enforce compliance. These measures are designed to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in sports federations.
Impact on Indian Sports and Future Prospects
The Act is expected to end the dominance of political interests in sports administration. It will empower sportspersons and promote inclusivity. With India aspiring to host major international events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, a strong governance framework is essential. The Act ensures that the development of sports infrastructure will be matched by robust legal and administrative support. This will help nurture talent and uphold the integrity of Indian sports.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, the role of legislation in improving sports administration and governance in India.
- Critically examine the impact of politicisation on national sports federations and suggest measures to ensure autonomy and transparency.
- Explain the significance of specialised tribunals in dispute resolution with reference to the National Sports Tribunal established under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and opportunities in hosting international sporting events in India and the role of governance reforms in addressing them.
