Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that the long-awaited National Sports Governance Bill will be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, scheduled to begin on July 21. Speaking at an event organized by the Department of Youth Affairs on drug de-addiction, Mandaviya emphasized that the bill aims to bring transparency and accountability to sports administration in India.
The proposed legislation includes the formation of a regulatory board empowered to grant recognition and funding to National Sports Federations (NSFs) based on adherence to good governance norms. The board will ensure that these federations uphold the highest standards of administrative, financial, and ethical conduct.
The draft bill also proposes the creation of a Code of Conduct Commission and a Dispute Resolution Commission, which will be tasked with maintaining transparency and resolving conflicts within the sports ecosystem. However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has raised objections, arguing that the establishment of a regulatory board may undermine its authority as the apex body of Indian sports federations.
India Won’t Block Pakistan from Multilateral Sports Events
Addressing questions about international participation, Mandaviya reiterated that Pakistan’s players will not be barred from taking part in multilateral sports events hosted by India. Despite strained diplomatic ties following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Mandaviya clarified that international sporting events will remain inclusive.
Pakistan is expected to participate in three major upcoming tournaments in India: the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament (Rajgir, August 27–September 7), the FIH Junior World Cup (Tamil Nadu, November–December), and the Junior Shooting World Cup (New Delhi, September–October). Mandaviya confirmed that India will issue visas to Pakistani athletes for these events, but the final decision lies with the Pakistani government.
He added, “We have no objection to Pakistan participating in any international sports event hosted in India. Equal treatment will be given to all participating teams.”
