Lok Sabha Approves Landmark Sports Reform Ahead of 2036 Olympic Bid
New Delhi: In a major push for transparency and reform in Indian sports, the Lok Sabha on Monday passed the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailing them as the “biggest overhaul since Independence.”
The Sports Governance Bill mandates a National Sports Board to recognise sports bodies, monitor elections, enforce ethical standards, and penalise mismanagement.
A National Sports Tribunal, vested with civil court powers, will settle disputes on selections and federation polls, with appeals only to the Supreme Court. Most recognised sports federations will now come under the RTI Act, barring those without government funding such as the BCCI.
The Anti-Doping amendment addresses WADA’s concerns over autonomy, ensuring the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) functions independently by removing earlier oversight powers from the proposed National Board for Anti-Doping.
The bills were passed by voice vote amid Opposition protests over electoral roll issues in Bihar. Mandaviya said the new laws will create a transparent, accountable, world-class sports ecosystem as India eyes hosting the 2036 Olympics.
