THE LAWWAY WITH LAWYERS JOURNAL 

VOLUME:-27 ISSUE NO:- 27 , SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

ISSN (ONLINE):- 2584-1106 

Website: www.the lawway with lawyers.com 

Email: thelawwaywithelawyers@gmail.com 

Authored By : Urmila Biswas

BA LLB  4th YEAR of DEPARTMENT OF LAW, 

UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA (HAZRA  CAMPUS) 

REINVENTING SPORTS GOVERNANCE: IMPLICATIONS OF THE  NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE ACT, 2025 

 

ABSTRACT 

The area of Sports Administration and governance was neglected for a long time in our country.  In this article, we shall delve into the newly enacted National Sports Governance Act, 2025. This article will discuss whether the act marks a transformative step in sports governance. The study  will critically examine the present framework of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, along  with an emphasis on the evolution of sports governance in our country. The unified legal regime  of study shall be put forward, along with a comprehensive discussion on the concept of the  National Sports Board. A detailed discussion shall be put forward about the historical evolution,  its recent composition, along with the powers and functions that have been assigned under the  newly enacted statute. The National Sports Governing bodies, which stand as the administrative  units of the different sports organizations, and committees shall also be put forward. The paper  further proceeds to explore the National Sports Tribunal, which is another landmark development,  along with the Constitutional Significance of the Act. However, analysis can truly be complete  after the inclusion of the views of the critics. Thus, the analysis will conclude with the views of  critics, reforms, measures for athletes’welfare, global sporting standards, along with some possible  ways to overcome the same.  

KEYWORDS 

Olympic Charter, Paralympic Charter, National Sports Governance Act, Administration,  Committee, National Sports Board, National Sports Tribunal, Athlete, Safe Sports Policy 

INTRODUCTION 

It was on 19th August, 2025, while I was stuck in the midst of my semester examinations, that a  news pop-up on my phone screen at around 4:21 pm announced that President Droupadi Murmu  had given her approval to the National Sports Governance Bill. To satisfy my curiosity, I visited the news portal to read more about it. The National Sports Governance Act of 2025 received the formal approval of the President on August 18, 2025. The Lok Sabha gave its assent to the National  Sports Governance Bill on August 11, 2025, which Sports Minister Mansukh Mandviya  introduced. The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 received the assent of the Rajya Sabha on  12th August, 2025, following a two-hour-long deliberation.1 

Sports, in general terms, refer to physical activities that contribute to physical fitness, enhance  mental well-being, and, most importantly, develop positive competitive skills. It is deemed more  

1 The Hindu, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-sports-governance-bill-gets president-droupadi-murmus-assent/article69950568.ece , (last visited 5th September,2025).

than just a recreational activity, as it creates a cohesive social force that binds the citizens of a  nation to a robust sense of national pride. However, the administration of sports in our country has  been unregulated for a long time, due to the absence of a proper governance structure.  

The absence of a proper governance structure led to corruption, inefficiency, a lack of transparency,  and reduced participation among sports persons. From a legal standpoint, the National Sports  Governance Act will bring a sense of accountability, transparency, regulation, and adherence to  constitutional values in the public domain. 

FRAMEWORK OF THE NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE ACT, 2025 

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, is part of Act No. 25 of 20252and comprises 38  Sections. The Act mentions at the very outset that it is devised for the development and promotion  of sports persons. It is primarily formulated to balance ethical conduct and practices within the  sports community. The framework of the act is based on contemporary international standards,  such as the Olympic Charter and the Paralympic Charter, as well as the international sports  movement, to promote best practices on a global level. This Act is framed not only to meet  international standards but also to resolve sports-related disputes in a uniform and effective  manner. All matters related to sports governance, administration, and any disputes connected  thereto shall fall under the ambit of this act. 

The Preliminary portion, that is Chapter I of the Act, mainly expands between Section 13and  Section 2(a) to (zb)4, defining different concepts such as the Athletes Committee, Board,  International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, International Sports  Body, National Sports Federation, Regional Sports Federation, and many more. The Act further  proceeds to include National Sports Bodies, the National Sports Board, the governance of National  Sports Organizations, the code of ethics, safe sports policy, grievance redressal mechanisms,  privileges, and duties of recognized sports organizations under Chapters II to VII of the Act.  Furthermore, we can observe that Chapter VIII of the Act addresses the National Sports Election  Panel, while Chapter IX pertains to the National Sports Tribunal. Thus, the basic framework of the  Act has been elaborately discussed. 

EVOLUTION OF SPORTS GOVERNANCE IN INDIA 

The matter of Sports Governance in India after Independence was under the purview of private  bodies, including the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the National Sports Federations (NSFs), and other such associations. These associations worked under the statutory framework of the  Societies Registration Act, 18605. These associations utilized public funds for their operations, but  were still hindered by an inefficient, corrupt, and opaque administrative structure. The policy of  

2 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India). 3 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 1, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India). 4 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 2(a)-(zb), No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India). 5 The Societies Registration Act, 1860, No. 21, Acts of Parliament, 1860 (India).

1984 was the first national framework to aim for mass participation and excellence, but it lacked  effective enforcement mechanisms.6 The 2001 policy introduced ideas of obligation, voluntary  implementation, and gender inclusion. 

The National Sports Development Code (2011) was considered an important code that ensured the  growth and evolution of Sports Governance in India. It led to significant developments, including  the establishment of age limits, transparency standards, and election rules, among other  regulations, which were implemented. However, it was implemented in the form of executive  orders, which lacked enforcement; there were no Statutory bodies to enforce them, resulting in  numerous inconsistencies in their operation.  

THE NATIONAL SPORTS BOARD 

Emergence of the National Sports Board 

The National Sports Board (NSB), as mentioned in the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, is  a transformative step towards the development of sports governance in our country. The Act  replaced the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, which had guided the development  of the National Sports Development Framework. The National Sports Development Code, 2011, 

was primarily in the form of ad-hoc guidelines. These guidelines were not duly followed due to  the absence of statutory enforcement authority, minimal accountability, unclear administration, and embedded inefficient leadership. Moreover, they were a set of expeditiously drafted rules  created by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.7 

Composition of the National Sports Board 

The National Sports Board (NSB) can be formed by the Union Government through a notification,  as enshrined in Section 5 of the Act.8 The National Sports Board shall consist of a Chairperson,  who is the presiding officer, and other additional members as may be required. The Union Government appoints the Chairperson and other members from among persons of distinguished  capacity, integrity, and standing in the arena of sports. Individuals with practical experience in the  fields of sports governance, sports law, or related areas will be given preference. A selection  committee will be formed, consisting of persons with extensive experience in public and sports  administration, as well as national sports awardees, as may be prescribed. 

6 LUKMAAN IAS, https://share.google/w2RkkgZY0GEMYXp3u, (last visited 5th  September,2025). 

7Janay Jain, National Sports Governance Act will ensure sports bodies do not function as fiefdoms,  THE INDIAN EXPRESS, (September 04, 2025, 7:14 AM),  https://share.google/cP1iuw0vasl2kMuqZ. 

8 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 5, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India).

The salaries and other general terms and conditions of the office of the Chairperson and the other  members, including the matter of removal, shall be decided as prescribed by the National Sports  Governance Act, 2025. The main office of the National Sports Board shall be established in the  domestic territorial limits of Delhi as provided in this Act. Further, the Board can extend its branch  offices to such other areas as it may deem fit. It is a form of corporate body, having a common seal  and working by means of perpetual succession. 

Powers and Functions of the National Sports Board 

The powers and functions of the National Sports Board have been enshrined under Section 69and  Section 710 Of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. It also has the power to hold and dispose  of property, both movable and immovable property, which comes under its purview. The powers  and functions of the National Sports Board have been enshrined as follows- 

• Formal identification of Sports Organization– It can grant recognition of the different  sports organizations and also facilitate the registration of the affiliate units. The National  Sports Board is also conferred with the power to put off or eradicate the registration or  acknowledgment of the institutions and the affiliate units. 
• Maintenance of records– It will have to maintain an official record of all the National  Sports Bodies that have been recognized and registered, along with their affiliate units. The  register of records shall be prepared in accordance with all the rules and regulations  specified in this Act. 
• Direct Inquiries– It can carry out inquiries for matters specified in Section 911 Of the Act. • Ad-hoc Administration – The National Sports Body has the unique power to create an ad hoc administrative body, or can direct the different Sports Organizations or their affiliate  units to do so as per the stipulation of Section 1112 Of the Act. 
• Code of Ethics– It can direct the Sports Bodies to a particular course of action, which  would ease the task of formulation of an ethical code of conduct. 
• Safe Sports Policy– This policy is considered one of the most important powers and  functions of the National Sports Board. Policies will be framed to ensure the safety and  protection of women, minor athletes, and other vulnerable groups of people in the sports  arena. 
• Maintaining an Election Panel List- A list shall be maintained containing a roster of  members of the National Sports Election Panel, as per the provisions of Section 1613. • Collaboration with International Bodies– The National Sports Board will work along  with the other International Sports Organizations and bodies to develop sports in India. It  

9 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 6, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India). 10 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 7, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India). 11 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 9, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India). 12 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 11, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India). 

13 The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, § 16, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 2025 (India).

aims to strike at the grassroots level by ensuring the welfare of the athletes. The primary  aim is to issue guidelines that are oriented towards connecting Indian Sports Bodies via an  invisible chain of international standards, and to ensure best practices in the Olympics. 

• Protection of the Rights of Athletes– The Board will work towards the preservation of the  rights and ensuring the welfare of the athletes and their support staff. 

In addition to the aforementioned powers and functions, the National Sports Board may also  perform other functions and duties as provided under the law. The Central Government needs to consult with the members of the Board to appoint officers and employees as required. The  appointment is designed to oversee the day-to-day functioning of the board. The officers who  will be appointed need to work under the supervision and direction of the Chairperson or any  other person delegated by the Chairperson. Thus, a well-structured model for Sports Bodies  has been formulated by our Parliament. If it is practically applied in our society, then the sphere  of Sports will have rampant development in the coming years.  

NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNING BODIES 

The National Sports Governance Act refers in Chapter II to the genesis and role of National  Sports Bodies. There will be a National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee,  and the National & Sports Federation for each recognized sport. Each of the mentioned national  bodies shall have a due affiliation with international bodies, along with affiliate units in various  districts and states within our country. 

The Act further stipulates that the National Sports Governing Bodies must establish a General  Body, an Executive Committee, an Ethics Committee, a Dispute Resolution Committee, and  an Athletes’ Committee. The General Body is mainly composed of an equal number of  representatives from each of its affiliate units, keeping in consonance with International  Charters and statutes, as may be applicable. While the Executive Committee shall consist of  not more than 15 members, out of which two persons shall be from the sports fraternity having  remarkable merits, a minimum of four members shall be women, two members shall be elected  from the Sports Committee itself, and there shall be ex officio members. The other members  shall be either nominated or elected, keeping it in line with international statutes and standards. 

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE SPORTS GOVERNING BODIES 

The National Sports Body shall be supervised by the President, who shall also attend the formal  discussions of the diverse Committees, as well as the General Body. Apart from that, there  shall be a Secretary-General, who is responsible for carrying out the administrative  responsibilities and implementing the decisions of the various Executive Committees and the  General Body. Lastly, the Treasurer is responsible for maintaining accurate accounts of the  National Sports Body, thereby acting as the custodian of its funds. Therefore, the various  international charters can influence the governing bodies. If any conflict arises, the Central  Government intervenes to resolve the issue.

There are certain eligibility criteria which has been provided for being a member of the  Executive Committee, which include that a person must be a citizen of India, should not be a  person of unsound mind, should be at least 25 years of age, and not more than 70 years of age.  The most important criteria are that the person should comply with the International Statutes,  Charters, and bye-laws. A person who is more than 70 years of age or is aged between 70 to  75 years of age may become a member of the committee, if permitted by International Rules, and will serve for a full-term basis.14 

NATIONAL SPORTS TRIBUNAL 

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, also provides for the appointment of the National  Sports Tribunal under the ambit of Chapter IX of the Act. The Central Government, after giving  notification, can appoint a National Sports Tribunal, which consists of a chairperson and two  other members. The framers of the act have the objective of quickly resolving disputes about 

sports in a cost-efficient and effective manner. The presiding officer of the tribunal shall be an  individual who has been or is a Judge of the Apex Court, or the Chief Justice of the High Court. The other members shall also be persons of eminence in public life, they are having wide  experience in the sphere of Sports Administration, governance, and law. 

The presiding officer and the other members will be officially chosen by the Union Government on acquiring endorsements from the Search-cum Selection Committee composed of the following members namely, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), or a Supreme Court judge  nominated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) will recommend the name of the Chairperson,  while the Law Secretary and the Sports Secretary shall recommend the names of the other  members of the tribunal. The Search-cum Selection Committee shall also determine the  procedure for recommending the members as per its discretion.  

The National Sports Tribunal has powers similar to a civil court; appeals against the decisions  of the tribunal shall lie before the Supreme Court. The tribunal shall execute the following powers and functions they are summoning the attendance of any individual and inspecting them on oath, requiring the discovery and production of documents, obtaining evidence on  affidavits, issuing commissions, reviewing the decisions of the commissions, dismissing a  default application, and other matters as may be prescribed. However, in cases of International  Disputes relating to Sports appeal shall lie before the Court for arbitration in Switzerland.15 

CONSTITUTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ACT  

14 PRS LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH, https://share.google/aK8NjUz9v4OOLV3cR, (last visited  4th September, 2025). 

15 PRS LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH, https://share.google/aK8NjUz9v4OOLV3cR, (last visited  4th September, 2025).

The National Sports Governance Act is not just a regulatory statute, but deep down it touches  upon the salient fundamental rights along with the directive principles of state policy. The  principle of the Right to Equality under Article 1416 is firmly established by introducing tenure  limits, an age cap, accountability, statutory enforcement, and transparent and fair elections in  sports bodies. Thus, it will help to ensure equality among the sports persons; there shall be no  favoritism, and all shall be treated equally. 

The act introduces various policies like the Safe Sports Policy, athlete welfare protection measures, and different grievance redressal mechanisms, which directly coincide with the  Right to Life and Dignity enshrined under Article 2117 Of the Constitution. The women and  the minor athletes are especially provided with constitutional safeguards by ensuring their  safety and equality in the realm of sports. The Directive Principle of State Policy is also  activated by the inclusion of safe sporting spaces for children and youth, which comes under  the purview of Article 39(f)18 of the Constitution. Similarly, the duty to improve public health, 

which is enshrined under Article 4719 is also directly related to Sports governance, which  ultimately improves the health and the general well-being of individuals.  

CRITICISM 

Every coin has two faces, similar to the newly enacted National Sports Governance Act, 2025,  which, despite having all the positive impacts, also faces several criticisms. The risk of  government obstruction and decline of sports self-sufficiency is the main area of argument of  the critics. Even the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed concern and urged the 

preservation of the autonomy of sports.20 The matter of age limit relaxation, which relaxes the  70-year age cap, allows people between 70 and 75 years to participate if permitted by the  International Rules. Thus, it underscores the importance of efficient leadership and leadership  renewal.21 

LANDMARK CASES 

Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005)22 

The apex court in this case held that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), despite  performing national functions such as electing the national team, is not a state under Article  

16 INDIA CONST. art. 14. 

17 INDIA CONST. art. 21. 

18 INDIA CONST. art. 39 (f). 

19 INDIA CONST. art. 47. 

20 Ashutosh Sahoo, Statutes of Olympic charter must be applied: IOC, raises concerns around  “Autonomy” of Sports, THE BRIDGE CHRONICLE, (August 31, 2025, 3:52 PM),  https://share.google/3D3LFe0eaB7vTSPlj. 

21 Ujwal Jalali, Bills on sports governance, doping cleared in Lok Sabha amid Opposition din,  THE TRIBUNE, (August 12, 2025, 7:49 AM), https://share.google/2RCJd0lD4SwxkL3ib. 22 Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India, (2005) 4 SCC 649.

1223 of the Constitution. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) works independently  without state control, so it does not come under the purview of the definition of the State. However, it is not an autonomous body and is subject to judicial review under Article 22624 when executing public duties. The decision of the apex court balances between sports  autonomy and constitutional accountability.  

Rahul Mehra v. Union of India (2014-2022)25 

The Delhi High Court directed sports organizations to strictly comply with the Sports Code,  2011, including transparency, term limits, and accountability. Non-compliant states were  denied official recognition. Thus, all these rulings pushed the government towards stringent regulations, which are more effective in laying the building blocks for the National Sports  Governance Act, 2025. 

THE WAY FORWARD 

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, is definitely a prominent development in the area  of Sports. There is a need to maintain a sense of accountability so that autonomy does not  prevail. The chances of excessive Centralization, as pointed out by critics, are definitely a  matter of concern, which should be duly addressed. The government should engage in  consultations with the Sports persons and organizations so as to ensure compliance. These  engaging consultations, if brought into reality, will not only safeguard the national interest but  will also preserve the global norms. The matter of representation of athletes should be  strengthened, preparation of proper audit reports, and a clearly demarcated timeline is the need  of the hour. Thus, if the act is harmonized with international statutes, consultation with the  athletes is conducted, transparency, welfare of the athletes, and flexibility are ensured, it will  emerge as the most credible statute in the entire global community of nations. 

CONCLUSION 

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, provides a statutory framework for sports in India,  but it should be well-balanced. The principles of transparency, accountability, and matters of  athlete welfare, if infused with the Constitutional framework, will help to promote national and  global exemplary practices. If all the aforesaid challenges are well tackled, then we can  definitely conclude that the Act has the potential to make Sports Governance in India truly  coordinated in nature. It would truly serve the collective interest of the nation if it promotes  the welfare of the Sports Persons in the true sense of the term. Democratic governance,  principles of equity, and an athlete-centric approach would definitely transform Sports  Administration in India and increase the sense of national pride for all citizens.  

23 INDIA CONST. art. 12. 

24 INDIA CONST. art. 226. 

25 Rahul Mehra v. Union of India, W.P.(C) 8691/2020.

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).   

 Case Laws 

• Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India, (2005) 4 SCC 649. 
• Rahul Mehra v. Union of India, W.P.(C) 8691/2020. 

 Online Sources 

• PRS Legislative Research 
• Lukmaan IAS 

 Newspapers and Media Reports 

• The Hindu 
• The Bridge Chronicle 
• The Indian Express 
• The Tribune