New Delhi: In a major policy step aimed at strengthening India’s sports ecosystem, the Central Government has finalized the draft of a comprehensive ‘Sports Administration Bill’, which will be introduced in the upcoming session of Parliament. The legislation is the result of extensive consultations with athletes, sports lawyers, commentators, international federations, and experts across disciplines.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared detailed insights about the bill during the ‘Khelo India Conclave’ held in New Delhi. He confirmed that the bill was designed after reviewing over 600 suggestions gathered through stakeholder engagement both nationally and internationally.
Wide-Ranging Consultations
“We spoke to Indian and international stakeholders for hours,” said Mandaviya. “This included a three-hour consultation with sports lawyers, in-depth discussions with the Olympic Council, and feedback from international governing bodies such as FIFA. In fact, after receiving a query from FIFA, we even sent a special officer to their headquarters to address their concerns. Only after this detailed process was the draft of the Sports Administration Bill finalized.”
What the Bill Aims to Address
The bill aims to streamline governance, improve accountability in sports bodies, and ensure athlete welfare through structured administration. The government envisions this legislation as a foundational step in promoting transparency and professionalism in Indian sports management.
‘Sports Is a Mass Movement’: Mandaviya
In his address at the conclave, Mandaviya stressed that “sports is a people’s movement” and emphasized the need for synergy between the public, federations, state governments, and the central government.
“We have invited all stakeholders—athletes, federations, and corporates—for their inputs because we want to transform these ideas into tangible outcomes,” the minister added. “India has the potential to lead the world in sports, and global institutions believe in this vision.”
Khelo Bharat Policy and Governance
He also underlined the government’s commitment through the ‘Khelo Bharat Policy’, a governance initiative aimed at ensuring good governance among sports stakeholders.
“The Sports Administration Bill will be a key pillar of this movement,” he said, reiterating the Centre’s goal to develop India as a global sports powerhouse.
With the upcoming session expected to be high on reformative legislative activity, the Sports Administration Bill is likely to mark a historic moment in India’s sporting journey, bringing structure, integrity, and a future-ready vision to sports administration.
