Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday (July 17, 2025) stated the National Sports Governance Bill, which will probably be tabled within the Parliament throughout subsequent week’s monsoon session, has been drafted with inputs from not simply the stakeholders but in addition worldwide bodies just like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA.
Addressing the one-day ‘Khelo Bharat Conclave’, that includes representatives from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), National Sports Federations (NSFs), the company world and athletes, the Minister reiterated his dedication to have the Bill handed for which he has even held discussions with former Sports Minister and Congress chief Ajay Maken.
Parliament Monsoon Session: Government to introduce eight new Bills
The Monsoon session of the Parliament will begin on July 21. “I did a series of consultations with NSFs, athletes, coaches, also got 600 inputs from the public when the draft was put online for suggestions. I also had a three-hour meeting with sports lawyers to understand their perspective,” Mr. Mandaviya said in his tackle.
“The IOC was consulted as well along with international sports federations. FIFA had a query and I sent an officer to their headquarters to discuss things with them. The National Sports Bill is now read and will be in Parliament during Monsoon session,” he added however didn’t go into the specifics.
The Bill seeks to make the nation’s sports activities directors extra accountable with the supply of a regulatory board which might have the facility to grant recognition and resolve funding to NSFs primarily based on their adherence to provisions associated to good governance.
The board can even be accountable for guaranteeing compliance with the very best governance, monetary, and moral requirements. In addition, the Bill proposes the institution of Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to make sure transparency in governance.
It has been opposed by the IOA, which feels {that a} regulatory board would undermine its standing because the nodal physique for all NSFs.
“I spoke to Ajay Maken (senior Congress leader) too. He made a good effort to have this Bill passed,” stated Mr. Mandaviya, referring to Mr. Maken’s aggressive push for cleaner sports activities governance throughout his eventful tenure that lasted slightly over one yr.
Governance reforms, which focus round well timed elections, have been a thorny situation with distinguished NSFs such because the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) being accused of dragging their ft on polls which have been lengthy due.
The Minister averted taking names however urged the directors to rise above their private pursuits. “Main nahi hum (We, not I), that should be the way forward. We have to introspect whether it’s enough to just grab the chair. We have to let go of ego. Give the seat to someone better if you see one,” he stated. “Reforms is a step by step process,” he asserted.
