New Delhi: The landmark National Sports Governance Bill, passed by Parliament last week, will be fully implemented within the next six months, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Wednesday. Preparations — including drafting rules and identifying infrastructure — are already underway.
“This bill will be implemented as soon as possible. Within the next six months, all procedures will be completed to ensure 100 per cent implementation,” Mandaviya told PTI in his first interview after the bill’s passage.
India is now the 21st country in the world to have a dedicated sports law. Key provisions include:
Creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) to grant affiliation to National Sports Federations (NSFs).
Establishment of a National Sports Tribunal (NST) for dispute resolution.
Formation of a National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) to oversee NSF elections.
Mandaviya called it “the single biggest reform in sports since Independence,” promising swift creation of posts and administrative approvals through the Departments of Personnel and Training and Expenditure.
One of the most debated provisions grants the government discretionary powers to restrict Indian teams or athletes from participating in international events under “extraordinary circumstances.”
“This is a standard safeguard in sports laws globally,” Mandaviya clarified. “It covers national security threats, diplomatic boycotts, or global emergencies — and is not aimed at any specific country.”
While this clause has obvious implications for sporting ties with Pakistan, Mandaviya stressed that decisions will continue to be guided by broader government policy and security assessments, citing the absence of bilateral cricket since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
“The Act simply formalises the government’s ability to act decisively and lawfully in such situations,” he said, adding it will still align with the Olympic Charter and statutes of relevant international bodies.
The bill initially faced hesitation from the IOA and some federations over autonomy concerns. Mandaviya said consensus was achieved after over 60 rounds of structured discussions, one-on-one meetings, and a Chintan Shivir with state sports ministers.
“I gave entire days to NSFs, athletes, and coaches, explaining each clause, inviting feedback, and incorporating suggestions,” he said. The minister also consulted sports lawyers and reviewed all 600 public submissions.
He credited former sports minister Ajay Maken, whose 2011 draft sports bill inspired key provisions but stalled due to resistance from vested interests.
One of the athletes’ strongest demands — greater representation — has been addressed. Under the new law, every NSF Executive Committee must include at least four women and two athletes of outstanding merit within a capped strength of 15 members.
With governance reforms in place, Mandaviya’s next goal is a long-term medal plan to push India into the top five sporting nations within 20 years.
“In the coming days, we will bring a medal strategy, setting targets for the next five, ten, and 25 years. Sports is a people’s movement, and athletes are its backbone,” he said.
