BCCI under RTI, new super-authority & more: How National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports

The Indian government has introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to completely revamp the country’s sports administration system. Although it is not yet a law, the bill marks a big step towards better structure, accountability, and fairness in Indian sports. Here are the main highlights of the bill:

Age and Tenure Limits

• Top officials such as the President, Secretary General, and Treasurer in sports bodies will now be allowed to serve for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms, or 12 years total.
• Age limit is set at 70, but can be extended to 75 if required by international rules.

The Executive Committee of any sports body cannot have more than 15 members, and must include:

• At least 2 sportspersons of merit
• At least 4 women members

This move aims to reduce costs and encourage gender equality and athlete involvement in sports governance.

National Sports Board (NSB)

One of the most powerful additions in the bill is the creation of a National Sports Board (NSB).

The NSB will have the authority to:

• Grant or cancel recognition of any National Sports Federation (NSF)
• Work with international sports bodies to protect athlete interests

The NSB will be led by a Chairperson appointed by the central government. Members will be chosen by a selection committee that includes:

• The Cabinet Secretary or Secretary (Sports)
• The SAI Director General
• Two experienced sports administrators
• One award-winning sportsperson (Khel Ratna, Arjuna, or Dronacharya awardee)

The NSB can de-recognise federations if they:

• Fail to conduct elections
• Show major irregularities
• Misuse public funds

Only recognised organisations can receive government funding.

National Sports Tribunal

To handle the large number of legal cases (over 350 ongoing), a National Sports Tribunal will be set up.
This body will have the powers of a civil court
It will include:

• A Chairperson, who must be a Supreme Court judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court
• Two other members

Appointments will be made by the central government, based on a committee headed by the Chief Justice of India (or nominee).

• Appeals can only be made to the Supreme Court, ensuring faster decisions
• Appeals must be filed within 30 days, unless the SC allows more time

National Sports Election Panel

This panel will:

• Be appointed by the government on NSB’s advice
• Include retired election officials from state or national level
• Ensure free and fair elections in sports bodies
• A roster of eligible panel members will be maintained.

Right to Information (RTI) Act

• All recognised sports bodies will now come under the RTI Act, 2005
• They must be transparent about their functions, duties, and powers
• This clause is likely to trigger a dispute with the BCCI, which may now have to register under the NSB, especially since cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympics. The BCCI has long resisted RTI, citing its financial independence.

Government’s Discretionary Powers

• The government will have final say in several key matters, including:
• Use of national words/symbols (like “India” or “National”), needs prior approval
• Power to relax rules under special conditions
• Authority to direct the NSB or other entities for proper administration
• Ability to restrict national team participation in the national interest

If passed into law, the National Sports Governance Bill will significantly change how Indian sports bodies are run. With clearer rules, age and term caps, financial accountability, and greater athlete involvement, the bill aims to create a more transparent and efficient sports system.

For now, the bill has been introduced. A full debate and approval process will follow in Parliament.

Inputs from PTI