The Indian government has introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to completely revamp the country’s sports administration system. Although it is not yet a law, the bill marks a big step towards better structure, accountability, and fairness in Indian sports. Here are the main highlights of the bill:Age and Tenure LimitsTop officials such as the President, Secretary General, and Treasurer in sports bodies will now be allowed to serve for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms, or 12 years total.Age limit is set at 70, but can be extended to 75 if required by international rules.The Executive Committee of any sports body cannot have more than 15 members, and must include:At least 2 sportspersons of meritAt least 4 women membersThis move aims to reduce costs and encourage gender equality and athlete involvement in sports governance.National Sports Board (NSB)One of the most powerful additions in the bill is the creation of a National Sports Board (NSB).The NSB will have the authority to:Grant or cancel recognition of any National Sports Federation (NSF)Work with international sports bodies to protect athlete interestsThe NSB will be led by a Chairperson appointed by the central government. Members will be chosen by a selection committee that includes:The Cabinet Secretary or Secretary (Sports)The SAI Director GeneralTwo experienced sports administratorsOne award-winning sportsperson (Khel Ratna, Arjuna, or Dronacharya awardee)The NSB can de-recognise federations if they:Fail to conduct electionsShow major irregularitiesMisuse public fundsOnly recognised organisations can receive government funding.Live EventsNational Sports TribunalTo handle the large number of legal cases (over 350 ongoing), a National Sports Tribunal will be set up.This body will have the powers of a civil courtIt will include:A Chairperson, who must be a Supreme Court judge or a Chief Justice of a High CourtTwo other membersAppointments will be made by the central government, based on a committee headed by the Chief Justice of India (or nominee).Appeals can only be made to the Supreme Court, ensuring faster decisionsAppeals must be filed within 30 days, unless the SC allows more timeNational Sports Election PanelThis panel will:Be appointed by the government on NSB’s adviceInclude retired election officials from state or national levelEnsure free and fair elections in sports bodiesA roster of eligible panel members will be maintained.Right to Information (RTI) ActAll recognised sports bodies will now come under the RTI Act, 2005They must be transparent about their functions, duties, and powersThis clause is likely to trigger a dispute with the BCCI, which may now have to register under the NSB, especially since cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympics. The BCCI has long resisted RTI, citing its financial independence.Government’s Discretionary PowersThe government will have final say in several key matters, including:Use of national words/symbols (like “India” or “National”), needs prior approvalPower to relax rules under special conditionsAuthority to direct the NSB or other entities for proper administrationAbility to restrict national team participation in the national interestIf passed into law, the National Sports Governance Bill will significantly change how Indian sports bodies are run. With clearer rules, age and term caps, financial accountability, and greater athlete involvement, the bill aims to create a more transparent and efficient sports system.For now, the bill has been introduced. A full debate and approval process will follow in Parliament.Inputs from PTI(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onindian sports billbcci under rtinational sports governance billage cap for sports officialsindian sports reformssports tribunal indiarti for bccisports governance indiansb creationnew sports law india (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onindian sports billbcci under rtinational sports governance billage cap for sports officialsindian sports reformssports tribunal indiarti for bccisports governance indiansb creationnew sports law india(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition123View all Stories