National Sports Governance Bill, aimed at transparency, introduced in Lok Sabha

The National Sports Governance Bill that proposes to set up the National Sports Board (NSB) to lay down rules and oversee the functioning of federations was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the bill, which claims to bring accountability through the NSB. The bill also proposes to set up a National Sports Tribunal that will have the powers of a civil court and decide disputes related to elections and team selection. Its rulings can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.

"...as a part of the preparatory activities for the bidding of Summer Olympic Games 2036, it is imperative that the sports governance landscape undergoes a positive transformation to bring better outcomes, sporting excellence and aids in improved performance in major international competitions," read the bill's statement of objectives.

The NSB's chairperson and members will be appointed by the central government, and its committee shall comprise of 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.

Mandaviya also introduced The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill-2025 that seeks to incorporate the changes sought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which objected to "government interference" in the functioning of the country's Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
With inputs from PTI