NEWS

• The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 has officially become law after receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on 18th August 2025.
• It aims to reform sports administration in India, ensure accountability of National Sports Federations (NSFs), and promote good governance.
• The Act was passed by Lok Sabha (Aug 11, 2025) and Rajya Sabha (Aug 12, 2025) through a voice vote.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Provisions

1. Institutional Mechanisms
   • Establishment of:
     • National Sports Board (NSB) – to oversee functioning of NSFs.
     • National Sports Tribunal (NST) – to resolve disputes in sports.
     • National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) – to regulate transparent elections in NSFs.
2. Jurisdiction of Tribunal
   • The NST will have powers of a civil court.
   • It will adjudicate disputes related to selection, elections, governance, and athlete grievances.
   • Tribunal decisions appealable only in the Supreme Court.
3. Exclusions from Jurisdiction
   • NST will not adjudicate disputes:
     • During Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth, Asian Games, or other international federation events.
     • Matters under internal dispute-resolution committees of NSFs.
     • Cases under international federations or Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Lausanne.

Significance

• Enhances transparency, accountability, and professionalism in sports governance.
• Seeks to minimize internal disputes within NSFs, ensuring smoother sports administration.
• Protects India’s compliance with international sports governance norms by excluding matters under global jurisdiction.
• Seen as a step to improve athlete welfare, selection fairness, and sports performance.