New Sports Governance Bill Set to Usher in Reform Era, Says Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi, July 17, 2025 — Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed confidence that the upcoming National Sports Governance Bill, scheduled to be tabled in the monsoon session of Parliament, will mark the beginning of a transformative era for sports governance in India.

Rijiju, who previously served as Union Sports Minister from 2019 to 2021, played a role in initiating dialogue around the bill. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sports reforms and said the legislation is set to bring transparency, accountability, and a fresh structure to how sports bodies function in the country.

The bill proposes a regulatory board with powers to recognize and fund National Sports Federations (NSFs) based on their adherence to governance standards. It will oversee compliance with ethical, financial, and governance norms, ensuring that federations work more transparently and efficiently. Additionally, the bill aims to reduce litigation and internal disputes by establishing dedicated Ethics and Dispute Resolution Commissions.

Although the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has voiced opposition arguing that such a regulatory body may interfere with its autonomy current Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been consulted throughout the drafting process. This step was crucial as India continues its bid to host the Olympics in 2036.

Rijiju believes the bill, along with the proposed Khelo Bharat Niti and amendments to the anti-doping legislation, will encourage a sports-first culture. “Once the new sports bill is passed, it will usher in a new sporting culture in the country. Khelo India has already promoted sports culture in the country,” he said.

The anti-doping legislation, passed in 2022, had faced objections from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), particularly over the formation of a government-appointed board overseeing the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). To align with international standards, the new version of the bill drops this provision.

As the monsoon session begins, stakeholders are watching closely. The government hopes the bill’s passage will not only reform sports governance but also signal India’s readiness for global sporting leadership.

By Rajeev Sharma

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