Gagan Narang Supports National Sports Governance Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha
Gagan Narang's Insights on the National Sports Governance Bill
New Delhi, July 25: Gagan Narang, an Olympic medalist and vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), shared his perspective on the newly proposed National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, during its introduction in the Lok Sabha.
This bill, presented in Parliament on Wednesday, aims to enhance the development and promotion of sports while also focusing on the welfare of athletes. Amidst a backdrop of vocal opposition from several MPs, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the legislation.
The proposed bill outlines the establishment of national governing bodies for sports, including a National Olympic Committee, a National Paralympic Committee, and specific National Sports Federations for each sport, along with Regional Sports Federations.
Commenting on the bill, Narang stated, “The reforms introduced are commendable and athlete-focused. Athletes will have representation in executive committees, which is crucial for fostering an athlete-centric approach. The creation of a Sports Tribunal will facilitate the resolution of athletes' issues efficiently. Furthermore, the inclusion of women in executive committees is now mandatory.”
According to the bill, there will be a single National Olympic Committee and a National Paralympic Committee, each overseeing multiple sports. The National Olympic Committee must be recognized internationally and affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, while the National Paralympic Committee should have similar global recognition.
The central government has the authority to form a National Sports Board, which will include a chairperson and other members appointed based on their expertise in public administration, sports governance, and related fields. The board's headquarters will be in Delhi, with the option to set up additional offices elsewhere.
This board will be responsible for recognizing sports organizations and registering their affiliate units, as well as having the power to suspend or revoke such recognitions.
Any sports organization wishing to be recognized as a National Sports Body must apply to the board. If a national sports body loses its international recognition, a normalization process will be initiated in accordance with international charters, without interference from the board.
On the board's recommendation, the central government can establish a National Sports Election Panel, comprising experienced electoral officers, to ensure fair elections for the Executive Committees and the Athletes Committee of the National Sports Bodies.
Additionally, a National Sports Tribunal will be set up to provide a swift and effective resolution for sports-related disputes, led by a chairperson who is or has been a Supreme Court Judge, along with two other knowledgeable members.
The chairperson and members will be appointed by the central government based on recommendations from a Search-cum-Selection Committee, which includes the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge, and representatives from the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Department of Sports.
The government retains the right to remove any chairperson or member of the Tribunal under specific circumstances, including insolvency or moral turpitude.
Importantly, any sports organization wishing to incorporate terms like “India,” “Indian,” or “National,” or any national symbols in their name or branding must secure a no-objection certificate from the central government.