National Sports Governance Bill introduced in Parliament, BCCI will also come under its purview

New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Mansuh Mandavia introduced the National Sports Government Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, which is a major step towards transparency, accountability and better administration in Indian Games. A National Sports Board (NSB) will be created under this bill, which will have the widespread powers to make and monitor the National Sports Federation (NSFS), including the Indian Cricket Control Board (BCCI).

What is in this bill?

The bill proposes to set up a strict accountability system for the National Sports Federations. All recognized sports federations will have to get recognition from NSB to get funding from the central government. The NSB will have a chairman and members who will appoint the central government. These people will have special knowledge or experience in public administration, sports regime, sports law and related fields. They will be appointed on the recommendation of a committee, which will include Cabinet Secretary or Sports Secretary, Director General of Sports Authority of India, two sports administrators and one Dronacharya, Khel Ratna or Arjuna Award winners.

Provision for setting up tribunal

The Bill also provides for the establishment of a National Sports Tribunal, which will receive the powers of the civil court. This tribunal selection to election will resolve disputes related to sports federations and players. The tribunal’s decision will only be challenged in the Supreme Court. This step has been taken to reduce long -lasting legal battles in sports and ensure quick justice.

BCCI also under the Bill

The special thing is that this bill will also bring BCCI under its purview, which has been claiming autonomy by citing not taking government funding till now. Since cricket has been included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, BCCI will also have to follow the rules of this bill. Along with this, all recognized sports bodies will come under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which has always been opposed by BCCI.

Relaxation in the age limit of administrators

The maximum age limit of the first administrators in the National Sports Code was 70 years, but the new bill also allows those with 70 to 75 years of age to contest elections, provided the rules of the concerned international sports bodies allow it. With this, BCCI President Roger Binny, who recently turned 70 years old, can get a chance to continue his term. The objectives of the Bill states, “As part of the preparations for hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, it is necessary to bring positive changes in sports rule to achieve better results, sports excellence and better performance in major international competitions.” (PTI)