Context:

• Passed in the Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025, the National Sports Governance Act 2025 regulates and recognises national sports bodies in India.
• It aims to end decades of misgovernance, political interference, and litigation in sports administration, replacing the ad-hoc National Sports Development Code of India with a comprehensive legislation.

Historical Background:

• While it was under colonial rule, India was the first Asian nation to participate in the Olympics in 1900. Yet, it lacked a dedicated sports governance law till 2025.
• For example, sports federations became fiefdoms of political satraps marked by -
  • Electoral malpractices.
  • Overstaying office bearers.
  • Domination by non-sportspersons (noted by 2014 Parliamentary Standing Committee).
• More than 350 cases related to malpractices in the governance of various sporting federations are currently pending before different courts.
• In some cases, the courts were compelled to intervene and appoint a Committee of Administrators (CoA) to govern federations as a stop-gap measure.

Global Penalties due to Misgovernance:

• Global penalties:
  • Wrestling Federation of India (2023): Suspended for failing to hold timely elections.
  • Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (2024): Suspended due to absence of elected body.
  • All India Football Federation (AIFF) (2022): Suspended by FIFA for being under court-appointed administrators; impacted Indian Super League 2025–26.
• Impact of misgovernance: Career setbacks for sportspersons bound by age and time, while political administrators escaped accountability.

Key Provisions of the National Sports Governance Act 2025:

• Institutional framework:
  • National Sports Board:
    • The Act empowers the Centre to establish a National Sports Board, which will grant recognition to various national sporting federations and their affiliate units.
    • This provision will put an end to the protracted battles for legitimacy waged by rival federations within the same sport.
  • Establishment of National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, and National and Regional Sports Federations for each sport.
    • Each of the above mentioned bodies has also been mandated to establish a code of conduct in line with the international best practices prevailing in each sport.
• Governance norms:
• The Act also mandates that the Executive Committee for every sporting federation must consist of up to 15 members, with at least two outstanding sportspersons and four women.
• Moreover, the age and tenure limits are also defined to ensure that fresh talent and vigour is inducted in sports administration.
• Dispute resolution:
  • A National Sports Tribunal will be constituted to adjudicate disputes pertaining to sporting federations.
  • This is a landmark provision as it would -
    • Streamline sports-related litigation by enabling matters to be decided by subject experts.
    • Reduces litigation delays as an appeal against a decision of the Tribunal would only lie before the Supreme Court.
• Election oversight:
  • The Act seeks to establish a national panel of electoral officers for monitoring elections.
  • Federations are mandated to establish their own election panels for affiliates.
  • Provision for disqualification of non-compliant federations.

Significance of the Act:

• First comprehensive legislation on sports governance in India.
• Ends monopoly of political satraps; promotes accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.
• Ensures representation of sportspersons and women in decision-making.
• Provides legal clarity to avoid international sanctions.
• Paves way for India’s aspiration to host Commonwealth Games and Olympics with integrity and robust legal backing.

Conclusion:

• The National Sports Governance Act 2025 lays the foundation for transparent, accountable, and inclusive sports administration in India, aligning governance structures with global best practices.
• Going forward, its effective implementation can empower sportspersons, restore international credibility, and help India realise its aspiration of becoming a leading sporting nation.