13 August, 2025: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced a new sports bill aimed at transforming India’s sports framework by prioritizing athletes’ interests, improving governance in federations, and ensuring gender representation.
Mandaviya stated that the legislation is designed to make the sports system athlete-centric. He added, “This bill will bring good governance to sports federations, ensure fast and time-bound dispute resolution, and provide women with representation in both federations and the Ethics Commission.”
The bill addresses long-standing governance issues by establishing clear rules and accountability mechanisms for sports bodies. It introduces fast-track procedures for resolving disputes, allowing conflicts to be settled quickly without affecting athletes’ careers.
A key feature of the bill is mandatory women’s participation in federations and the Ethics Commission, promoting inclusivity and gender equality in decision-making. Experts note that this could encourage more women to take leadership roles in Indian sports administration.
Additionally, the legislation emphasizes transparency and accountability within sports federations, implementing structured practices and ethical standards aligned with global best practices. Analysts believe these reforms will help create a more efficient and fair sports ecosystem.
The bill has received positive feedback from athletes and sports professionals, who say it could significantly improve governance, reduce administrative delays, and focus attention on athlete development.
