In a major push towards transparency and accountability in Indian sports, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday introduced the much-awaited National Sports Bill 2025 in Parliament. The landmark legislation aims to bring uniform governance, greater oversight, and increased public accountability in the functioning of National Sports Federations (NSFs) across the country.
The Bill, which has been in the works for over two years, proposes sweeping reforms that would require NSFs to comply with guidelines related to financial disclosures, athlete representation, age and term limits for office-bearers, and anti-doping protocols.
“This Bill is a bold step towards reforming Indian sports administration. It ensures that the interests of athletes are protected while reinforcing transparency and professionalism in federations,” Thakur said while tabling the Bill in Lok Sabha.
Key Highlights of the Bill
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Mandatory RTI Compliance: All NSFs receiving government funding will be brought under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ensuring public access to critical information.
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Tenure & Age Caps: Office-bearers will face a three-term limit and an age cap of 70 years, aligning with international norms.
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Athlete Representation: Each NSF will be required to have a minimum of 25% athlete representation on its executive board.
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Audit & Financial Transparency: Annual financial statements will be subject to CAG audits and must be published on NSF websites.
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Dispute Redressal Mechanism: A new Sports Ethics & Disputes Commission will be established to handle issues related to selection disputes, sexual harassment complaints, and doping violations.
The Bill also empowers the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to monitor implementation and ensure federations maintain performance standards tied to funding.
Mixed Reactions from Sports Bodies
While many have lauded the move, certain federations have expressed concerns over the extent of government oversight. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha welcomed the Bill but called for “a balanced approach that doesn’t dilute the autonomy of federations.”
Athletes and former sportspersons, however, have largely welcomed the reforms. “This is long overdue. For years, athletes have suffered because of mismanagement and lack of transparency. It’s time for change,” said former wrestler and Olympic medalist Yogeshwar Dutt.
The Bill is expected to be debated in both Houses later this week. If passed, it will mark a transformative shift in Indian sports governance, potentially setting the stage for a more accountable and athlete-centric sporting ecosystem.
