New Delhi, August 11 (HS): In a session marked by loud opposition protests, the Lok Sabha on Monday cleared two major reform legislations — the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, 2025 — in what the government is calling the most sweeping overhaul of Indian sports administration since independence.

The bills, introduced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during the ongoing Monsoon Session, were passed under the chair of newly elected BJP MP Sandhya Ray.

Modernising Sports Governance

The National Sports Governance Bill seeks to place India’s sprawling network of sports federations and administrators under a uniform regulatory framework. Key provisions aim to:

- Enforce higher standards of transparency and accountability in sports bodies.

- Introduce professional management structures to replace ad hoc functioning.

- Mandate greater representation of women in leadership roles.

- Strengthen athletes’ rights and ensure fair dispute resolution mechanisms.

The proposal also emphasises performance-linked governance and compliance with globally accepted federations’ ethics codes to improve India’s competitiveness on the world stage.

Anti-Doping Framework Overhaul

The National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, 2025 aligns India’s policies with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. It grants the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel increased institutional and operational autonomy, insulating them from external or political influence in:

- Conducting doping tests.

- Carrying out investigations.

- Ruling on enforcement and sanctions.

By institutionalising independence, the measure aims to bolster credibility and fairness in doping-related decisions and safeguard athletes' reputations while upholding strict anti-doping discipline.

‘From Ground to Glory’

Calling these measures a “turning point for Indian sport,” Minister Mandaviya said:

“This is the biggest reform since independence. Through these bills, we are laying the foundation for a robust and fair sporting ecosystem — from the grassroots to the global podium. We will strengthen accountability, open up more opportunities for women, and ensure our athletes receive justice both on and off the field.”

The government believes the twin legislations will clean up sports administration, attract fresh talent, and protect the integrity of competition — critical steps as India pushes to establish itself as a major force in international sporting events.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar