Parliament passes National Sports Bill, PT Usha says it will ‘empower athletes’

The Parliament has passed the National Sports Governance Bill after the Rajya Sabha gave its nod on Tuesday, just 24 hours after the Lok Sabha.

The Parliament also passed the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, giving autonomy to NADA as required by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Once the President gives assent to the bills, the two will be notified as acts.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the bill would empower, not control. "In 20 countries, there is sports law. I request the Rajya Sabha to make India the 21st country with a sports law," Mandaviya said before the bill was passed.

The minister said the bill would bring transparency and not interference. "The government doesn't want to control. We are the supporters and providers of a structure," he said.

Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha said the bill will empower athletes and build confidence among sponsors and federations. "It is about justice and fair play," Usha said.

National Sports Board
The National Sports Board (NSB), formed as a consequence, will have the power to de-recognise a national body that does not conduct elections for its Executive Committee or is held accountable for 'gross irregularities in the election procedures'.

The bill also proposed to set up a National Sports Tribunal, which will have the powers of a civil court and decide disputes ranging from selection to election involving federations and athletes. The Tribunal's decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.

The bill allows people aged between 70 and 75 to contest elections, which is a departure from the existing sports code that has the age limit capped at 70.

All recognised national bodies will come under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a leeway as it does not accept governmental funding.