Mandaviya.
| Photo Credit: PTI
In an attempt to empower Indian sports, and to drive it towards a sparkling presence in the global arena, the Union Government has carefully drafted the Sports Governance Bill, relinquishing its previously perceived status as a “controller” and accepting the role of a “facilitator”.
The Bill, scheduled to be tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday, will try to lighten the load on the beleaguered judiciary by having a Sports Tribunal, headed by a Supreme Court judge, for speedy redressal of disputes.
Many National Sports Federations are caught in legal tussles that have been dragging for years, harming the growth of the sport. The Union Sports Ministry itself is supposed to be dealing with more than 300 legal cases.
After the judgment of the Sports Tribunal, as and when it is established, the matter can only be taken up with the Supreme Court.
Even though the Bill will be athlete-centric, ensuring the presence of athletes in administration, it will encourage competent administrators, allowing the National Sports Federations to align with the International Federations and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in terms of age and tenure norms.
Overall, the autonomy of the National Sports Federations would be fully respected, while ensuring the execution of fair election, selection, etc.
It is a holistic approach by the Government, which has consulted all the stakeholders and has arrived at a system to rid Indian sports of its many problems and help it grow stronger in the international arena, matching its vast potential for excellence.
Every sport will come under the Sports Governance Bill without exception, even though the Government is focused on the Olympic medals apart from hosting the Olympics itself.
Published – July 22, 2025 07:14 pm IST