Lok Sabha Approves Major Sports Reforms and Strengthens Anti-Doping Rules

On August 11, 2025, amid protests over voter roll revisions in Bihar, the Lok Sabha approved two landmark bills—the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025—through a voice vote, aiming to overhaul India’s sports administration.

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailed the legislation as the “single biggest sports reform since Independence.” He emphasized that these laws would bring fairness and professionalism to sports federations across the country.

The National Sports Governance Bill introduces:

• Creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) to grant recognition to federations, monitor conduct, and derecognize those with election irregularities or financial mismanagement.

• A National Sports Tribunal, led by a judge, to swiftly resolve disputes related to elections, player selections, and governance. Its decisions can be challenged only in the Supreme Court.

• Stricter transparency, bringing most government-funded bodies under the Right to Information (RTI)—though the BCCI may remain exempt unless significantly funded by the government.

• Inclusive governance, with executive committees required to have at least two top sportspersons and four women, and timeout age extended to 75 years.

The Anti-Doping Amendment Bill aligns India with WADA and UNESCO standards by:

• Strengthening NADA’s independence from government control and transferring appeal-panel authority to the Central Government.

• Mandating WADA-accredited laboratories and using globally accepted anti-doping definitions to ensure fair and credible enforcement.

Internationally, this reform effort signals India’s serious intent to host the 2036 Olympic Games, building trust with global sports bodies and ensuring athlete welfare.