The National Sports Governance Act 2025: A New Legal Framework for Sports in India

Introduction

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 represents a watershed moment in Indian sports legislation, fundamentally transforming how sports bodies operate within the country’s legal framework. This Act of the Parliament of India establishes a statutory framework for recognition, governance, and oversight of national sports bodies, seeking to align Indian sports governance with the Olympic Charter, Paralympic Charter, and international best practices [1]. The legislation, which received parliamentary approval through voice votes in both houses – the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2025, and the Rajya Sabha on August 12, 2025, marks the culmination of over a decade of efforts to reform India’s sports administration landscape.

The Act emerges against the backdrop of persistent challenges in Indian sports governance, including issues of transparency, accountability, and compliance with international sporting norms. The legislation addresses long-standing concerns about the autonomy versus accountability debate that has plagued Indian sports federations, particularly following various controversies and legal interventions in sports body elections and management practices.

Historical Context and Legislative Evolution

The journey toward the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 began with the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, which attempted to establish governance standards for sports federations. The Delhi High Court played a crucial role in enforcing compliance with the Sports Code, warning the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of derecognition if compliance was not maintained and striking down provisions in sporting bodies’ constitutions that were inconsistent with the Code [2]. The court’s intervention highlighted the tension between governmental oversight and sporting autonomy, a balance that the new Act seeks to achieve more effectively.

The government’s position has consistently been that the highest level of probity and transparency is needed in the working of sports bodies, requiring them to follow proper, democratic and healthy management practices that provide for greater accountability at all levels [3]. This principle forms the foundation of the 2025 Act, which codifies these expectations into statutory requirements while respecting international sporting charter obligations.

The legislative process involved extensive consultations with stakeholders, including sports federations, athletes, and international bodies. The draft bill underwent multiple iterations, with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports incorporating feedback to balance domestic governance requirements with international sporting autonomy principles.

Key Provisions and Legal Framework

Establishment of National Sports Board

The Act establishes a National Sports Board (NSB) to oversee the functioning of national sports bodies [4]. This board represents the central regulatory mechanism through which the government exercises its oversight function without directly interfering in day-to-day sporting activities. The NSB is empowered to grant recognition to national sports bodies and maintain a comprehensive registry of affiliate units across the country.

The board’s composition includes representatives from various stakeholder groups, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests of athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and the broader sporting community. The NSB operates under specific procedural guidelines that mandate transparency in decision-making while maintaining the independence necessary for effective sports governance.

Recognition and Registration Framework

The Act provides for the establishment of one National Olympic Committee, one National Paralympic Committee, a National Sports Federation for each designated sport, and a Regional Sports Federation for each designated sport, with these bodies required to hold international recognition [5]. This structure ensures that India’s sports ecosystem aligns with global standards while maintaining clear hierarchical relationships between different levels of sports administration.

The recognition process involves rigorous evaluation criteria covering financial transparency, democratic governance structures, athlete representation, and compliance with anti-doping protocols. Sports bodies must demonstrate their capacity to promote their respective sports effectively while maintaining ethical standards in their operations.

Regulatory Compliance and Governance Standards

The Act mandates that all recognized sports bodies adhere to specific governance standards, including regular elections, financial auditing, and transparent selection procedures for national teams. These requirements address historical concerns about nepotism, financial irregularities, and lack of accountability that have plagued some sports federations.

Sports bodies must establish clear conflict-of-interest policies, ensure gender representation in their governing structures, and maintain robust grievance redressal mechanisms for athletes and other stakeholders. The Act also requires regular reporting to the NSB on various aspects of their operations, creating a systematic monitoring framework.

Government Powers and Exemptions

The central government retains the power to exempt a national body or its affiliates from any or all provisions of the Act if necessary in public interest for the promotion of that sport [6]. This provision acknowledges that certain circumstances may require flexibility in application, particularly when dealing with sports that have unique international requirements or face extraordinary circumstances.

However, such exemptions are subject to strict procedural safeguards and periodic review to prevent misuse. The government must provide clear justification for any exemption granted and establish timelines for bringing the exempted body into full compliance with the Act’s provisions.

Integration with International Sports Law

Olympic Charter Compliance

The Act’s alignment with the Olympic Charter addresses one of the most complex challenges in sports governance – balancing national regulatory requirements with international sporting autonomy. Previous attempts at sports governance reform faced resistance from bodies like the IOA due to concerns about government interference potentially leading to IOC suspension, as occurred when the IOA faced suspension and de-recognition for failing to maintain charter compliance [7].

The new Act incorporates specific provisions that respect the Olympic Charter’s requirements for sporting autonomy while establishing necessary governance standards. This includes provisions for independent election processes, athlete representation in decision-making bodies, and protection from political interference in sporting matters.

Paralympic Charter Integration

Similar provisions ensure compliance with Paralympic Charter requirements, recognizing the specific needs of para-sports governance. The Act mandates that sports bodies develop inclusive policies that promote para-sport participation and ensure equal representation in governance structures.

The legislation also requires sports federations to allocate appropriate resources for para-sport development and maintain specialized expertise in para-sport coaching and administration. This represents a significant advancement in India’s approach to inclusive sports governance.

Enforcement Mechanisms and Penalties

Monitoring and Oversight

The Act establishes multiple layers of monitoring to ensure compliance with its provisions. The NSB conducts regular audits of recognized sports bodies, examining their financial records, election procedures, and adherence to governance standards. These audits follow standardized protocols that ensure consistent evaluation across different sports and regions.

Sports bodies must submit annual reports detailing their activities, finances, and governance practices. These reports undergo scrutiny by independent evaluators who assess compliance with statutory requirements and identify areas for improvement.

Penalty Framework

The Act provides for various penalties including suspension for grounds such as suspension by relevant international or Asian federations, suspension by the IOA, failure to submit audited accounts, misuse of government assistance, failure to provide accurate information to the government, and improper conduct of elections [8]. This framework ensures that sports bodies face meaningful consequences for non-compliance while providing due process protections.

The penalty system operates on a graduated scale, beginning with warnings and corrective measures for minor violations and escalating to suspension or de-recognition for serious or persistent non-compliance. Sports bodies have the right to appeal penalties through an independent tribunal system established under the Act.

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

The Act aims to enhance transparency, resolve disputes, and bring all sports bodies, including the BCCI, under a common regulatory framework [9]. This includes establishing specialized sports tribunals that can adjudicate disputes between athletes, coaches, administrators, and sports bodies.

The dispute resolution system incorporates alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and arbitration, to provide cost-effective and timely resolution of conflicts. These mechanisms are designed to minimize disruption to sporting activities while ensuring fair treatment of all parties.

Case Law and Judicial Precedents

Delhi High Court Interventions

The legal foundation for the 2025 Act draws heavily from judicial precedents established by the Delhi High Court in various sports governance cases. In Rahul Mehra vs Union Of India And Ors, the court emphasized that the government could not remain a mute spectator to blatant violations of principles of ethics and good governance by sports bodies, while respecting the IOC Charter and protecting sporting autonomy [3].

This case established the principle that governmental oversight of sports bodies is not inherently inconsistent with sporting autonomy, provided such oversight focuses on governance standards rather than sporting decisions. The court’s approach balances the need for accountability with the requirements of international sporting charters.

Constitutional Validation

Despite challenges to the Sports Code’s legality, the Delhi High Court ruled that sports governance regulations would apply in their entirety to National Sports Federations and the IOA [2]. This judicial validation provides the constitutional foundation for the more detailed statutory framework established by the 2025 Act.

The court’s decisions have consistently emphasized that sports bodies, despite their specialized nature, remain subject to general principles of good governance and transparency. This jurisprudential foundation supports the Act’s detailed regulatory framework while respecting the unique characteristics of sports administration.

Implementation Challenges and Solutions

Balancing Autonomy and Accountability

The Act addresses the persistent challenge of balancing sporting autonomy with governmental accountability requirements. Previous implementation challenges included difficulties in incorporating age and tenure restrictions into sports body constitutions and conflicts between National Sports Code requirements and International Olympic Committee regulations [8].

The new legislation provides clearer guidance on resolving such conflicts, establishing procedures for seeking exemptions when international charter requirements genuinely conflict with domestic governance standards. This approach reduces uncertainty and provides sports bodies with clear pathways for compliance.

Administrative Capacity Building

Successful implementation requires significant investment in administrative capacity at both the NSB and individual sports federation levels. The Act includes provisions for training programs, technical assistance, and gradual phase-in periods to ensure sports bodies can adapt to new requirements without disrupting their core functions.

The legislation also establishes mentoring programs where well-governed sports bodies assist those struggling with compliance, creating a peer-support network that facilitates knowledge transfer and best practice sharing.

Impact on Different Categories of Sports Bodies

National Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee

The Act provides special recognition for the singular roles of the National Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee while subjecting them to the same governance standards as other sports bodies. This approach acknowledges their unique international relationships while ensuring domestic accountability.

Both committees must maintain specialized expertise in Olympic and Paralympic sports while developing broad-based programs that promote sporting excellence across all recognized sports. The Act requires these bodies to coordinate effectively with individual sports federations to ensure coherent national sports policies.

Individual Sports Federations

Each recognized sport must have a single national federation that serves as the primary interface with international federations and the domestic sports ecosystem. These federations bear primary responsibility for developing their sports, conducting national competitions, and selecting national teams.

The Act requires federations to maintain democratic governance structures with regular elections, athlete representation, and transparent financial management. Federations must also develop long-term strategic plans that align with national sports development objectives while respecting their sports’ unique characteristics.

Regional and State-Level Bodies

The Act provides for Regional Sports Federations for each designated sport [5], creating a structured hierarchy that connects grassroots sports development with national-level competition. These regional bodies serve as crucial links between local sports clubs and national federations.

Regional federations must align their constitutions and procedures with national federation requirements while adapting to local conditions and needs. The Act provides flexibility for regional variations in implementation while maintaining core governance standards across all levels.

Anti-Doping Integration and Compliance

National Anti-Doping Agency Coordination

The Act coordinates with anti-doping legislation that gives effect to the UNESCO convention against doping in sports, prohibiting doping and providing frameworks for testing, enforcement, and adjudication of violations through the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) [7]. This integration ensures that sports governance and anti-doping efforts work in harmony rather than creating conflicting requirements.

Sports federations must incorporate anti-doping education and testing protocols into their regular operations, with the NSB monitoring compliance and effectiveness. The Act requires federations to allocate appropriate resources for anti-doping programs and maintain expertise in relevant procedures.

Education and Prevention Programs

The legislation mandates that all recognized sports bodies implement education programs that inform athletes, coaches, and support personnel about anti-doping regulations and procedures. These programs must be regularly updated to reflect changes in international anti-doping standards and emerging threats.

Sports bodies must also establish clear procedures for handling anti-doping rule violations, ensuring due process protections for athletes while maintaining the integrity of their sports. The Act provides guidance on balancing punishment with rehabilitation for first-time offenders in appropriate circumstances.

Financial Regulation and Transparency

Government Funding and Oversight

The Act establishes clear criteria for government financial support to sports bodies, linking funding to governance performance and sporting outcomes. Sports bodies must demonstrate effective use of public resources through regular auditing and performance reporting.

Funding decisions follow transparent procedures that consider both sporting potential and governance quality. The Act prevents arbitrary withdrawal of support while ensuring that public resources support bodies that maintain appropriate governance standards.

Commercial Activities and Revenue Generation

Sports federations may engage in commercial activities to generate revenue for their operations and development programs. However, the Act requires that such activities align with their sporting objectives and maintain appropriate ethical standards.

Commercial partnerships must be disclosed transparently, with potential conflicts of interest identified and managed appropriately. The Act provides guidance on acceptable commercial practices while preserving the integrity of sporting competition and decision-making.

Future Implications and Development

Technology Integration

The Act anticipates future technological developments in sports governance, providing frameworks for digital record-keeping, online elections, and virtual meeting procedures. This forward-looking approach ensures that sports bodies can adapt to changing technological environments while maintaining governance standards.

Digital platforms facilitate greater transparency in sports body operations, allowing stakeholders to access information about elections, financial reports, and policy decisions. The Act requires sports bodies to maintain user-friendly digital interfaces that promote stakeholder engagement.

International Cooperation

The legislation positions India to participate more effectively in international sports governance initiatives, providing a stable domestic framework that aligns with global standards. This enhances India’s influence in international sporting forums and facilitates cooperation on issues like anti-doping, athlete welfare, and sporting development.

The Act also creates opportunities for India to share its governance expertise with other developing nations facing similar challenges in balancing domestic accountability requirements with international sporting autonomy principles.

Conclusion

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 represents a sophisticated attempt to address the complex challenges of modern sports governance in India. By learning from previous implementation difficulties and incorporating extensive stakeholder feedback, the legislation provides a framework that balances competing demands while promoting sporting excellence and ethical conduct.

The Act’s success will depend on careful implementation that respects the unique characteristics of different sports while maintaining consistent governance standards. The legislation provides the legal foundation for India’s continued development as a major sporting nation, creating an environment where sporting talent can flourish within a framework of accountability and transparency.

As India prepares to host major international sporting events and compete at the highest levels of global competition, the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 provides the regulatory foundation necessary to support these ambitions while maintaining the integrity and autonomy that international sporting organizations require.

References

[1] National Sports Governance Act, 2025 – Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Sports_Governance_Act,_2025 

[2] Compliance with Sports Code non-negotiable; Delhi High Court warns IOA. SCC Times. Available at: https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2022/08/18/compliance-with-sports-code-non-negotiable-delhi-high-court-warns-ioa-of-derecognition-if-compliance-with-sports-code-is-not-made-temporary-coa-constituted/ 

[3] Rahul Mehra vs Union Of India And Ors on 16 August, 2022. Indian Kanoon. Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/29790977/ 

[4] National Sports Governance Act, 2025. NammaKPSC. Available at: https://www.nammakpsc.com/affairs/national-sports-governance-act-2025/ 

[5] The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025. Fox Mandal. Available at: https://foxmandal.in/News/indias-sports-governance-gets-legal-teeth-the-national-sports-governance-bill-2025/ 

[6] The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025. PRS India. Available at: https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-national-sports-governance-bill-2025 

[7] Indian Olympic Association vs Union Of India on 9 May, 2014. Indian Kanoon. Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/167695616/ 

[8] Complying With The National Sports Development Code Of India, 2011. Mondaq. Available at: https://www.mondaq.com/india/sport/959720/complying-with-the-national-sports-development-code-of-india-2011 

[9] National Sports Governance Bill 2025 – Reshaping India’s Sports Administration. Vajira & Reddy Institute. Available at: https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/national-sports-governance-bill-2025/