Push for cleaner sports governance
National Sports Governance Bill Reshaping Indian Sports Administration: India’s sports administration has long suffered from opacity, legal ambiguities, and elite control, especially in cricket. The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 aims to establish a uniform legal framework for all sports federations and bring accountability to sports management.
A major milestone is bringing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the Right to Information Act and officially recognizing it as a National Sports Federation (NSF).
Why BCCI inclusion matters
Despite controlling one of the world’s richest cricket ecosystems, BCCI has remained outside RTI provisions, citing independence and lack of direct government funding. This legal loophole is being closed by the bill.
The bill reflects India’s intent to align with global best practices, especially with T20 cricket set to debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and India’s plan to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Static GK fact: The RTI Act was enacted in 2005 to promote transparency and accountability in public institutions across India.
Key objectives of the bill
The bill’s primary aim is to modernize and streamline sports administration in India. Major objectives include:
- Legal recognition of all sports federations under one governance structure
- Setting up a National Sports Tribunal for fast-track dispute resolution
- Reducing litigation and ensuring athlete-friendly decision-making
- Promoting governance as per Olympic Charter principles
- Facilitating India’s global ambitions in sports
Major features and provisions
The proposed framework introduces several structural reforms:
- BCCI to be recognised as an NSF and brought under the RTI Act
- Creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) to act as a central oversight body
- Upper age limit of 75 years for officials, allowing continuity in leadership
- Mandatory representation of women, athletes, and sportspersons of merit in all NSFs
- Formation of an independent National Sports Tribunal with appeals lying to the Supreme Court
- National Sports Election Panel to oversee fair elections in federations
- Caps on number of executive members (15) and a three-term limit with cooling-off periods
Static GK tip: India has over 50 recognized National Sports Federations (NSFs), each responsible for specific sporting disciplines under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Potential impact on Indian sports
By improving transparency, this bill aims to empower athletes and reduce bureaucratic delays. It brings governance, gender equity, and meritocracy into focus.
For the BCCI, this marks a shift toward public accountability and legal oversight, aligning it with other sports bodies. The broader impact is expected to boost India’s credibility and readiness to host major international events like the Olympics.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
National Sports Governance Bill Reshaping Indian Sports Administration:
| Topic | Detail |
| BCCI status before 2025 | Not under RTI, not legally an NSF |
| RTI Act introduction | Enacted in 2005 |
| Bill introduced | National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 |
| Recognised sports federations in India | Over 50 NSFs |
| Age cap for sports officials | 75 years |
| Dispute mechanism introduced | National Sports Tribunal |
| Appeals from tribunal | Lie with Supreme Court |
| Governance oversight body | National Sports Board (NSB) |
| Women and athlete representation | Mandatory in all federations |
| India’s Olympic bid year | Proposed for 2036 |
