What is National Sports Governance Bill?: The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya calling it the “single biggest reform in Indian sports since independence.” The House also passed the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, when it reconvened at 2 p.m. after an early adjournment due to opposition protests over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Mandaviya said, “This is the single biggest reform in sports since independence. This bill will ensure accountability, justice, and best governance in sports federations.”
Lok Sabha passes The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 & The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025.@mansukhmandviya @IndiaSports @LokSabhaSectt@loksabhaspeaker pic.twitter.com/SQoAnMt4f6
— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) August 11, 2025
Opposition Absent During Passage of Bills
Most opposition leaders were not present in the House during the introduction of the bills, as police detained them while they marched towards the Election Commission against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged voter data manipulation. Two MPs participated in the debate and supported the sports governance bill before the opposition members returned to raise slogans. The Lok Sabha passed both bills by a voice vote amid the noise. The House adjourned until 4 p.m. after the passage of the bills.
भारत में अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर का खेल इकोसिस्टम बनाने के लिए ‘National Sports Governance Bill’ अति महत्वपूर्ण… pic.twitter.com/eeo377uVOr
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 11, 2025
Committee Chair Sought Detailed Examination of Sports Bill
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, Digvijaya Singh, urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the National Sports Governance Bill to the committee for detailed examination before its passage. Presenting the timeline of the bill’s journey, Mandaviya said, “Efforts have been made since 1975, and in 1985, we had the first draft. But sports were also politicised for personal gains… In 2011, we had a National Sports Code. Another effort was made to turn it into a bill, but it did not reach Parliament.”
Key Provisions in National Sports Governance Bill
The National Sports Governance Bill establishes a National Sports Board (NSB) to enforce accountability in National Sports Federations (NSFs). NSFs must secure NSB recognition to access central government funding. The NSB can de-recognise any national body failing to conduct Executive Committee elections or committing serious election irregularities. Failure to publish audited accounts or misuse of public funds can also lead to action, but the NSB must consult the relevant international body before acting. The bill also creates a National Sports Tribunal to settle disputes involving federations and athletes.
Changes to Age Limit and RTI Coverage
The bill allows administrators aged 70 to 75 to contest elections if international federation rules permit, relaxing the earlier national cap of 70 years. It brings all recognised national sports bodies under the Right to Information (RTI) Act if they receive government funding or support. This amendment gives partial exemption to the BCCI, which has opposed full RTI coverage, as it does not depend directly on government funding. Mandaviya said the reforms aim to create a “transparent, accountable, and world-class sports ecosystem” ahead of India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics.
National Anti-Doping Bill Amended After WADA Objections
The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, incorporates changes sought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA had objected to provisions in the 2022 Act that allowed a government-appointed National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports to oversee the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The amended bill retains the Board but removes its powers to direct or oversee NADA, ensuring the agency’s “operational independence.” The bill aims to meet WADA compliance requirements and strengthen India’s anti-doping framework.
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Swastika Sruti is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX Digital with 5 years of experience shaping stories that matter. She loves tracking politics- national and global trends, and never misses a chance to dig deeper into policies and developments. Passionate about what’s happening around us, she brings sharp insight and clarity to every piece she works on. When not curating news, she’s busy exploring what’s next in the world of public interest. You can reach her at [swastika.newsx@gmail.com]
