Context

Enacted during the Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2025, the National Sports Governance Act represents a landmark reform in India’s sports administration. This law establishes a formal regulatory framework for recognising and overseeing national sports bodies, replacing the previously ad-hoc National Sports Development Code of India. Its objective is to put an end to decades of chronic misgovernance, political interference, and prolonged litigation that have plagued Indian sports administration.

Historical Background

·       Despite India’s early involvement in international sports — being the first Asian country to participate in the Olympics in 1900 — it lacked a dedicated sports governance law until 2025. For decades, sports federations operated as fiefdoms controlled by political leaders and entrenched interests, characterized by widespread electoral malpractice, office bearers overstaying their terms, and domination by individuals with little or no sports background. This systemic failure was explicitly highlighted by the 2014 Parliamentary Standing Committee.

·       Currently, over 350 cases concerning malpractices in various sports federations are pending in courts across the country. In several instances, courts have had to intervene directly, appointing Committees of Administrators (CoA) to temporarily manage these federations, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

Global Penalties Resulting from Misgovernance

·       The consequences of mismanagement have not been confined to domestic disruption but have also led to severe international penalties. For instance, the Wrestling Federation of India was suspended in 2023 for failing to conduct timely elections. Similarly, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India faced suspension in 2024 due to the absence of an elected governing body. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) was suspended by FIFA in 2022 after court-appointed administrators took charge, a suspension that adversely affected the Indian Super League season of 2025–26.

·       These sanctions have had tangible impacts on athletes, many of whom faced career setbacks due to age and time constraints, while political administrators largely escaped accountability for their misgovernance.

Key Provisions of the National Sports Governance Act 2025

·       The Act introduces a comprehensive institutional framework and governance norms to overhaul Indian sports administration. It empowers the central government to establish a National Sports Board responsible for recognising national sporting federations and their affiliated units. This move aims to end the prolonged legitimacy disputes that rival federations within the same sport often engage in.

·       Alongside the National Sports Board, the Act mandates the establishment of a National Olympic Committee, a National Paralympic Committee, and National and Regional Sports Federations for each sport. Each of these bodies is required to develop and enforce a code of conduct consistent with international best practices relevant to their respective sports.

·       On governance, the Act stipulates that every federation’s Executive Committee shall comprise up to fifteen members, including at least two distinguished sportspersons and four women. It also prescribes clear age and tenure limits to ensure the infusion of fresh talent and dynamism in sports administration.

·       A significant innovation introduced by the Act is the creation of a National Sports Tribunal dedicated to resolving disputes related to sporting federations. This tribunal is designed to expedite litigation by having experts adjudicate matters, and its decisions can be appealed only to the Supreme Court, streamlining the dispute resolution process and reducing delays.

·       Election oversight is another critical feature. The Act proposes the formation of a national panel of electoral officers to monitor federation elections and mandates that federations create their own election panels for their affiliates. Additionally, it includes provisions for disqualifying federations that fail to comply with election regulations.

Significance of the Act

·       The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, stands as India’s first comprehensive legislation on sports governance. By dismantling the monopolies held by political interests, it fosters accountability, transparency, and inclusivity within sports bodies. The law ensures representation for both sportspersons and women in decision-making roles, enhancing democratic participation in sports administration.

·       Furthermore, by providing legal clarity and a robust framework, the Act helps India avoid future international sanctions and strengthens the country’s position as a responsible member of the global sporting community. This legal foundation is vital for India’s ambitions to host major international events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics with credibility and integrity.

Conclusion

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, sets the stage for a transparent, accountable, and inclusive sports administration system in India. By aligning governance structures with global best practices, the Act promises to empower athletes, restore India’s international reputation, and advance the nation’s goal of emerging as a leading sporting power. The success of this legislation will ultimately depend on its effective implementation, which can transform India’s sports landscape for generations to come.