Parliament Passes Historic National Sports Governance Bill 2025

Parliament on Tuesday approved the National Sports Governance Bill 2025, ushering in India’s first unified and comprehensive legal framework for sports governance.

The legislation sets new standards for transparency, accountability, and athlete-centric administration, marking the most significant reform in Indian sports since Independence.

Gagan Narang, Savita Punia Applaud Parliament Bill

Olympic medallist Gagan Narang called it ‘a landmark day for Indian sport’, praising the Bill alongside the Anti-Doping Amendment Bill for moving the country toward greater transparency, accountability, and athlete-first governance.

“These reforms will shape a stronger, cleaner sporting ecosystem for India’s champions,” Narang wrote on X.

Seasoned hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia described the Bill as ‘more than a Bill — it’s a vision for the future of Indian sports’.

The Bill’s passage concludes over a decade of attempts to establish a robust sports law, dating back to 2011. Previous drafts never reached Parliament, let alone received approval.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the push to make the reform a reality, paving the way for the most comprehensive overhaul of sports governance in the nation’s history.

National Sports Federations Extend Support

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) welcomed the Bill as a ‘timely and progressive step’ toward aligning India’s sporting framework with global best practices.

“Its focus on transparency, athlete welfare, and accountable governance strengthens our domestic ecosystem and prepares us for the responsibilities and opportunities that come with hosting major international events in the future, including a potential Olympic Games bid,” the BAI said in a post on X.

Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey called the Bill’s passage a ‘watershed moment’, saying it will inspire new confidence among athletes and stakeholders while creating a governance model aligned with international standards.

The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) hailed the reform as the most significant since Independence, saying it strengthens India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and elevates the nation’s sporting ambitions.

Key Features of the National Sports Governance Bill

The legislation sets clear expectations for National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association, including:

• Fair elections and financial transparency
• Inclusive representation, with at least 30% women in governing bodies
• Athlete commissions to ensure player voices in decision-making
• Robust athlete welfare measures, especially for women and minors
• Strict anti-doping rules and safe sport regulations

By aligning with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, the Bill positions India as a contender not only to compete but to lead on the global sports stage.

The reform eliminates ambiguity, ensures swift conflict resolution, and embeds gender equality into sports administration — crucial steps as India eyes developed-nation status by 2047.

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