-By ArdorComm News Network
October 18, 2024
Governance reforms, athlete welfare, and transparency in administration were the main points of discussion during a consultation meeting on the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024. The meeting, chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, took place on Thursday and involved key stakeholders, including Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P. T. Usha, representatives from National Sports Federations (NSFs), and National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs).
Mandaviya emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, “The Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 is a milestone in our mission to build a robust and transparent sports governance structure in India that aligns with international standards, including the Olympic and Paralympic Charter. The active involvement of stakeholders and the public is essential for shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of our sports community.”
The minister outlined the key reforms proposed in the draft, which include empowering athlete-centric federations, introducing a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes’ rights, and establishing an Appellate Sports Tribunal to address disputes. These measures aim to elevate athletes and strengthen India’s global position in the sporting world.
The consultation saw active participation from various NSFs, NSPOs, and the IOA, with many appreciating the proposal to relax age and tenure caps for sports administrators. The draft bill proposes that office bearers of NSFs, including presidents, secretaries, and treasurers, can continue in their roles beyond the age of 70 if they have not completed their tenures. This move was widely regarded as a positive step toward improving the governance of Indian sports.
“The minister said it’s a proactive and good step from our side to work in close coordination with all for the good of Indian sports,” a source at the meeting revealed.
Other key issues discussed included safeguarding athlete rights, streamlining the operations of sports bodies, and enhancing India’s standing on the global sports stage. Mandaviya assured stakeholders that their suggestions would be carefully considered in refining the draft bill.
The proposed reforms signal a significant shift toward a more transparent and athlete-friendly sports governance model in India. However, the ministry did not disclose the specific suggestions made by the stakeholders during the meeting.
This consultation marks an important step in shaping the future of sports governance in the country, with the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 expected to have far-reaching impacts on Indian sports.
Source: Business Standard