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Tuesday, July 15, 2025 7:20 PM

Sports Regulatory Board

National Sports Governance Bill to Be Introduced in Parliament This Monsoon Session

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has confirmed that the much-anticipated National Sports Governance Bill will be tabled in Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session, set to begin on July 21. The minister made the announcement while speaking at an event organized to unveil new initiatives by the Department of Youth Affairs focused on combating drug abuse. Mandaviya stated, “The bill will be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming session. I will share further details in the next couple of days.” Designed to enhance transparency and accountability in Indian sports administration, the proposed bill seeks to establish a central regulatory board. This body will oversee the recognition and funding of National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring they comply with best practices in governance, finance, and ethics. The draft legislation also outlines the formation of independent Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to safeguard the integrity and transparency of sports governance in the country. However, the bill has faced resistance, particularly from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which contends that the formation of such a regulatory board may infringe upon its authority as the apex body managing NSFs. In a parallel initiative, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will host a three-day Chintan Shivir in Varanasi from July 18 to 20, focusing on the issue of substance abuse among the youth. Titled ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’, the conclave aims to chart a roadmap toward a drug-free India by 2047. The event will begin with participant registration on July 18, and the main sessions will commence on July 19 at the Rudraksh Convention Centre. Around 500 delegates are expected to attend, with five representatives each from 100 spiritual and social organisations. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Culture, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and various youth groups will be actively involved in the event. The Kashi Declaration, a national action plan to address drug addiction, will be released at the conclusion of the conclave, summarizing the key discussions and outcomes from the sessions. Source: PTI  

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Sports Regulatory Board Aims to Ensure Governance, Not Interference: Mansukh Mandaviya

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the government’s intent to enhance governance in sports while maintaining the autonomy of national federations and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). His remarks come as the Union Government plans to introduce the draft National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament, with the establishment of a Sports Regulatory Board as a key feature. Key Features of the Draft Bill: Regulatory Authority: The Board will oversee the granting, renewal, and suspension of affiliations for the IOA and national sports federations. Composition: A five-member body comprising one Khel Ratna and one Dronacharya awardee, chaired by the Secretary (Sports), and including the Director-General of the Sports Authority of India as an ex-officio member. Mandatory Disclosures: Annual public disclosures by the national Olympic committee, national sports federations, and the national paralympic committee. Concerns Over Autonomy: IOA president P.T. Usha expressed reservations, warning that the Board’s overarching powers might be perceived as government interference, potentially inviting suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Minister Mandaviya acknowledged Usha’s concerns but clarified: “We don’t want to interfere but cannot leave things unattended. It is our responsibility to ensure transparency and adherence to international regulations.” He further stressed the need for consensus and alignment with IOC guidelines to avoid suspension risks. Recent Interventions: Highlighting the necessity of governmental involvement, Mandaviya cited his intervention to ensure Indian wrestlers’ participation in a world championship. This was after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) withdrew entries due to legal disputes. “If we hadn’t stepped in, our wrestlers would have missed a global opportunity. Such situations require responsible oversight,” he noted. Next Steps: While Mandaviya refrained from providing a specific timeline for the Bill’s introduction, he assured that it would be a “mature and balanced” legislation aimed at fostering transparency and excellence in Indian sports. As the debate continues, the proposed Sports Regulatory Board stands as a pivotal step in reshaping the governance framework for Indian sports while safeguarding its global standing. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: The Hindu

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