The National Sports Governance Bill was opassed by the Parliament with Rajya Sabha giving its nod a mere 24 hours after Lok Sabha, marking a historic first for India’s sports administration that is now set to be regulated by a national board and have its own dispute resolution mechanism.
The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, which reinforces NADA’s autonomy as required by the World Anti-Doping Agency, was also passed by the Parliament. The two bills now await presidential assent to be notified as acts.
According to PTI, Soon after Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya moved the bills for consideration and passage in the Upper House at 3pm, there were vociferous opposition protests over revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The opposition eventually staged a walkout led by Leader of Opposition and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who demanded a discussion on the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
“In 20 countries, there is sports law. I request the Rajya Sabha to make India the 21st country with a sports law,” Mandaviya said in his address which was followed by a discussion that lasted over two hours.
During the discussion, BJD MP Subhashish Khuntia raised concerns about the centralisation of sports governance due to the bill. He also felt that the bill did not have clarity on district and block level development of athletes.
“The bill should empower, not control,” he said.
Mandaviya responded by saying that the government is only seeking to be a facilitator.
“In this bill, we are bringing transparency, not control, not interference. Government doesn’t want to control. We are being the supporters and providers of a structure,” he asserted.
Former All India Football Federation president and NCP leader Praful Patel and Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha, who is a nominated member, were among the prominent voices who lauded the bill.
“It was a long-standing legislation that was required. We have had a sports code, it’s been a loose code and never stood any legal scrutiny. What is happening today is the need of the hour,” Patel said.
“We are hoping to win the 2036 bid of Olympics. That itself would be a redefining moment for Indian sports. This bill is absolutely in the right direction. We need this to achieve glory that is beyond cricket. It is imperative that this bill be passed with fullest support,” he added.
Usha expressed similar sentiments and said, “This bill will usher in transparency, accountability, and gender parity. It will empower athletes and build confidence among sponsors and federations. It is about justice and fair-play.”
