India's Sports Governance Revolution: Mandaviya's Game-Changing Bill

The National Sports Governance Bill introduced by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya proposes a National Sports Board to enhance accountability in sports federations, including BCCI. It mandates recognition from NSB for funding, introduces a National Sports Tribunal, and includes recognition under the RTI Act, aiming for improved sports governance.

On Wednesday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in Lok Sabha. This landmark legislation proposes the establishment of a National Sports Board (NSB) to ensure greater accountability within sports federations, including the BCCI, vital for accessing central government funding.

Crucially, the bill suggests the creation of a National Sports Tribunal empowered to resolve disputes from selections to elections, with its verdicts only challengable in the Supreme Court. It also proposes including recognised sports bodies under the RTI Act, highlighting BCCI's opposition since it traditionally operates without government reliance.

The NSB will consist of appointed experts from sports governance and related fields. Despite reservations from BCCI, its compliance is non-negotiable following cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This move is a step towards efficient sports governance ahead of India's bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)