Law Articles

National Sports Governance Act 2025: India’s New Sports Governance Framework Explained

Understanding India’s new sports governance law, National Sports Board, Sports Tribunal, athlete welfare, accountability and constitutional safeguards.

Prashanti Upadhyay

October 5, 2026

27294

Abstract: Sports Governance In India

Sports administration and governance remained insufficiently regulated in India for a considerable period. The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 introduces a statutory framework intended to address this gap. This article examines whether the new legislation represents a significant change in the governance of sports in India.

It considers the development of sports governance, the principal features of the Act, and the creation of a unified legal structure for sports administration and dispute resolution.

Particular attention is given to the National Sports Board, including its development, composition, powers and responsibilities under the new statute. The article also examines the National Sports Governing Bodies and the committees that form their administrative structure.

Another important feature considered is the National Sports Tribunal and its proposed role in resolving sports-related disputes. The constitutional implications of the legislation are also discussed, particularly in relation to equality, dignity, athlete welfare and safe sporting environments.

The analysis further considers criticism concerning governmental influence and the autonomy of sports organisations. It concludes by examining possible reforms, athlete-welfare measures, international sporting standards and practical steps that could strengthen the operation of the new framework.

Introduction

On August 19, 2025, during the author’s semester examinations, news emerged that President Droupadi Murmu had approved the National Sports Governance Bill. The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 received Presidential assent on August 18, 2025. Before that, the Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on August 11, 2025 after its introduction by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Rajya Sabha approved it on August 12, 2025 following approximately two hours of discussion.

Sports are generally understood as physical activities that promote fitness, contribute to mental well-being and develop constructive competitive abilities. Their importance extends beyond recreation because sporting activity can also operate as a social force that encourages unity and national pride. For many years, however, India’s sports administration operated without a sufficiently comprehensive governance structure. This situation was associated with concerns relating to corruption, administrative inefficiency, limited transparency and reduced participation by sports persons.

From a legal and institutional perspective, the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 seeks to introduce greater accountability, transparency and regulation while connecting sports administration with constitutional values.

Framework of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 is Act No. 25 of 2025 and contains 38 sections. At the outset, the legislation identifies the development and promotion of sports persons as an important objective. It seeks to encourage ethical standards and responsible practices within the sporting community.

The framework draws upon contemporary international standards, including the Olympic Charter, the Paralympic Charter and the broader international sports movement. Its objective is not only to bring Indian sports governance closer to international best practices but also to provide a consistent mechanism for dealing with sports administration and sports-related disputes.

Chapter I contains preliminary provisions and definitions, including concepts relating to the Athletes’ Committee, the Board, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, International Sports Bodies, National Sports Federations and Regional Sports Federations. Chapters II to VII address National Sports Bodies, the National Sports Board, governance of recognised sports organisations, ethical standards, safe sports policy, grievance redressal and the privileges and duties of recognised sports organisations.

Chapter VIII deals with the National Sports Election Panel, while Chapter IX establishes the framework for the National Sports Tribunal.

Evolution of Sports Governance in India

Following Independence, sports governance in India was largely managed by private organisations, including the Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and similar associations. These organisations functioned under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and, despite using public funds for their activities, were often criticised for administrative opacity, inefficiency and inadequate accountability.

The 1984 national sports policy represented an early attempt to promote mass participation and sporting excellence, but it did not contain sufficiently effective enforcement mechanisms. The 2001 policy subsequently introduced concepts such as obligations, voluntary implementation and gender inclusion.

The National Sports Development Code, 2011 represented another important stage in the development of sports governance. It introduced measures concerning age limits, transparency, elections and other governance requirements. However, because the Code operated primarily through executive directions rather than a dedicated statutory enforcement mechanism, its implementation remained inconsistent.

The National Sports Board

Creation and Significance of the National Sports Board

The National Sports Board (NSB), established within the framework of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, represents a major institutional development in sports administration. The Act replaces the earlier National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 as the principal statutory framework. The earlier Code largely consisted of guidelines and lacked a strong statutory enforcement authority, which contributed to limited accountability, administrative uncertainty and inconsistent leadership.

The National Sports Development Code had been developed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a set of administrative guidelines. The new statutory framework seeks to place sports governance on a more formal institutional foundation.

Composition of the National Sports Board

Under Section 5 of the Act, the Union Government may establish the National Sports Board through notification. The Board is headed by a Chairperson who serves as its presiding officer, together with such other members as may be required.

The Chairperson and other members are appointed by the Union Government from among persons possessing distinguished ability, integrity and standing in the field of sports. Preference is given to individuals with practical experience in sports governance, sports law or related disciplines. A selection committee is to be constituted from persons with substantial experience in public administration and sports administration, together with national sports award recipients, as may be prescribed.

The terms relating to salary, service conditions and removal of the Chairperson and other members are to be governed by the statutory framework. The principal office of the Board is to be located within the territorial limits of Delhi, while branch offices may be established elsewhere as considered appropriate. The Board has the character of a corporate body, with a common seal and perpetual succession.

Powers and Functions of the National Sports Board

Sections 6 and 7 of the Act set out the principal powers and functions of the National Sports Board. The Board may also hold and dispose of movable and immovable property falling within its authority. Its major responsibilities include the following:

Recognition of sports organisations: The Board may recognise sports organisations and facilitate registration of their affiliated units. It may also suspend, withdraw or cancel recognition or registration in accordance with the Act.
Maintenance of records: The Board is required to maintain official records of recognised and registered National Sports Bodies and their affiliated units in accordance with the statutory requirements.
Inquiries: The Board may conduct inquiries into matters covered by Section 9 of the Act.
Ad hoc administration: Under Section 11, the Board may establish an ad hoc administrative body or require a sports organisation or affiliated unit to establish one where the statutory conditions are satisfied.
Code of Ethics: The Board may issue directions to Sports Bodies that assist in the development and implementation of an ethical code of conduct.
Safe Sports Policy: The Board is responsible for developing measures intended to protect women, minor athletes and other vulnerable persons participating in sport.
Election Panel: It is responsible for maintaining the roster of members of the National Sports Election Panel in accordance with Section 16.
International cooperation: The Board may cooperate with international sports organisations and bodies to support the development of sports in India and promote internationally recognised best practices, including Olympic standards.
Athlete rights and welfare: The Board is tasked with protecting the rights and welfare of athletes and their support personnel.

The Central Government is required to consult the Board when appointing officers and employees needed for its day-to-day administration. Such officers function under the supervision and direction of the Chairperson or a person delegated by the Chairperson. The statutory model therefore attempts to establish a defined institutional structure for sports administration.

National Sports Governing Bodies

Chapter II of the Act addresses the establishment and functioning of National Sports Bodies. These include a National Olympic Committee, a National Paralympic Committee and a National Sports Federation for each recognised sport. These national bodies are expected to maintain appropriate affiliations with international sports organizations and to have affiliated units operating at state and district levels.

The Act requires National Sports Governing Bodies to establish a General Body, an Executive Committee, an Ethics Committee, a Dispute Resolution Committee and an Athletes’ Committee.

The General Body is primarily constituted from representatives of affiliated units, with equal representation as applicable and in accordance with relevant international charters and statutes. The Executive Committee may contain not more than 15 members. The framework provides for representation from the sports community, at least four women members, two members elected from the Sports Committee and applicable ex officio members, with other members being nominated or elected in accordance with international requirements.

Administrative Structure of Sports Governing Bodies

The National Sports Body is headed by a President, who participates in formal discussions of the various committees and the General Body. The Secretary-General is responsible for administrative functions and for implementing decisions of the Executive Committees and General Body. The Treasurer maintains the accounts of the National Sports Body and acts as custodian of its funds.

International charters and rules may influence the operation of the governing bodies, and the Central Government may intervene where conflicts arise.

The Act also prescribes eligibility requirements for membership of an Executive Committee. A member must be an Indian citizen, must not be of unsound mind, and ordinarily must be at least 25 years old and not more than 70 years old. Compliance with applicable international statutes, charters and bye-laws is also an important requirement. A person above 70, including someone between 70 and 75, may serve where the applicable international rules permit such participation, with the person serving the full term as provided.

National Sports Tribunal

Chapter IX provides for the National Sports Tribunal. The Central Government may establish the Tribunal by notification. It consists of a Chairperson and two other members. The purpose of this mechanism is to provide a comparatively quick, economical and effective forum for resolving sports-related disputes.

The Chairperson must be a person who has been or is a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court. The other members are expected to be persons of eminence with substantial experience in sports administration, governance or sports law.

The Union Government appoints the Chairperson and other members following recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee. The Chief Justice of India, or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the Chief Justice, recommends the Chairperson, while the Law Secretary and Sports Secretary recommend the other members. The committee may determine its own procedure for making recommendations.

The Tribunal has powers similar to those of a civil court. Appeals from its decisions lie before the Supreme Court. Its functions include summoning persons and examining them on oath, ordering discovery and production of documents, receiving evidence by affidavit, issuing commissions, reviewing decisions of commissions, dismissing default applications and exercising other prescribed powers.

For international sports disputes, the source article notes that appeals are to proceed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Constitutional Significance of the Act

The National Sports Governance Act is more than an administrative statute because its provisions also relate to constitutional rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy. The principle of equality under Article 14 is reflected through measures such as tenure restrictions, age limits, accountability requirements, statutory enforcement and transparent election processes within sports bodies. These mechanisms are intended to support equal treatment and reduce the possibility of preferential treatment among sports persons.

The Safe Sports Policy, athlete-welfare provisions and grievance-redressal mechanisms also connect with the constitutional protection of life and dignity under Article 21. Particular emphasis is placed on the safety and equality of women and minor athletes.

The Directive Principles are also relevant. Measures promoting safe sporting environments for children and young people relate to Article 39(f), while the constitutional objective of improving public health under Article 47 has a direct connection with the promotion of sport and general well-being.

Criticism

Despite the reforms introduced by the Act, critics have raised concerns regarding possible government interference and the potential reduction of autonomy within sports organisations. The International Olympic Committee has also expressed concern regarding the need to preserve the autonomy of sports.

The provisions concerning age limits have also attracted attention. Although the general upper age limit is 70, persons between 70 and 75 may participate where permitted by international rules. This raises broader questions about leadership renewal and the need for effective succession within sports organisations.

Landmark Cases

Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005)

In Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India, the Supreme Court considered the status of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Although the BCCI performs functions of national significance, including the selection of the national cricket team, the Court held that it was not ‘State’ within the meaning of Article 12 because it did not satisfy the required degree of governmental control.

At the same time, the Court recognised that the BCCI was not completely beyond judicial scrutiny. Its public functions could be examined through the jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 226. The decision therefore reflects a balance between the autonomy of sports organisations and constitutional accountability.

Rahul Mehra v. Union of India (2014–2022)

In Rahul Mehra v. Union of India, the Delhi High Court directed sports organisations to comply with the Sports Code, 2011, including requirements relating to transparency, term limits and accountability. Organisations that failed to comply could face consequences concerning official recognition. These judicial developments contributed to the movement towards a stronger and more enforceable framework for sports governance and helped establish the background against which the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 was introduced.

Also Read: Corporate Law in India for Foreign Companies, U.S. Businesses & Investors

The Way Forward

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 is an important development in India’s sports administration, but its effectiveness will depend on maintaining an appropriate balance between accountability and institutional autonomy. Concerns regarding excessive centralisation should be addressed through meaningful consultation with athletes, sports organisations and other stakeholders.

Greater consultation can help reconcile national objectives with international sporting norms. Athlete representation should be strengthened, proper audit reports should be prepared, and clear timelines should be established for implementation and accountability.

If the legislation is implemented consistently with international sporting standards, accompanied by meaningful athlete consultation, and supported by transparency, athlete welfare and appropriate flexibility, the statutory framework can contribute to a more effective and credible system of sports governance.

Conclusion

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 establishes a statutory foundation for sports governance in India, but its operation requires a careful balance. Transparency, accountability and athlete welfare, when implemented within the constitutional framework, can support stronger national and international standards in sports administration.

Addressing the concerns surrounding centralisation, ensuring meaningful participation by athletes and preserving appropriate institutional autonomy will be important to the Act’s success. A system based on democratic governance, equality, transparency and an athlete-centred approach can strengthen sports administration and contribute to a greater sense of national pride.

References

Statutes

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India).
The Constitution of India, 1950 (India).
The Societies Registration Act, 1860, No. 21, Acts of Parliament, 1860 (India).