The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 |The LexSphere Library

SECTION Section 1

Untitled Section

•AS INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA

•Bill No. 76 of 2025

•THE NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE BILL, 2025

•———

•ARRANGEMENT OF CLAUSES

•———

•CHAPTER I

•PRELIMINARY

SECTION Section 10

Untitled Section

8.Board recognition and registration.

SECTION Section 100

Untitled Section

•Clause 2.—This clause defines the various expressions used in the Bill, which,

•inter alia , includes, “ ad hoc administrative body”, “affiliate unit”, “Athletes

•Committee”, “Board”, “Board recognition”, “designated sport”, “International

•Charters and Statutes”, “Inter national Federation”, “International Olympic

•Committee”, “International Sports Body”, “National Sports Body”, etc.

SECTION Section 101

Untitled Section

•Clause 3.—This clause provides for establishment of national sports governing

•bodies, namely the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee,

•National Sports Federation and Regional Sports Federation for their respective

•recognised sports organisations. The national sports governing bodies shall maintain

•international recognition and affiliation from concerned international sports

•governing bodies.

SECTION Section 102

Untitled Section

•Clause 4.—This clause provides for compliance requirement relating to the

•structure and other requirements for National Sports Bodies to ensure they function

•in a fair and transparent manner, in alignm ent with the international statutes. It

•inter alia provides that every National Sports Body shall have a General Body

•consisting of equal number of representatives from each of its affiliate units

•provided that it shall have representation of Sportspe rsons of Outstanding merit,

•and, an Executive Committee having not more than 15 members, including at least

•two sportspersons of outstanding merit, two members from the Athlete Committee,

•and ex officio and other members.

SECTION Section 103

Untitled Section

•Clause 5.—This clause provides for establishment of a National Sports Board.

•The Board shall consist of a Chairperson and such number of members as the

•Central Government may prescribe. The members of the Board shall be appointed

•by Central Government on recommendation of search -cum-selection committee

•composition of which shall be such, as the Central Government may prescribe.

SECTION Section 104

Untitled Section

•Clause 6.—This clause provides for the powers and functions of the National

•Sports Board, which, inter alia , include, to grant Board recognition to sports

•organisations and registration of affiliate units and to suspend or cancel such

•recognition or registration, maintain a register of the National Sports Bodies and

•each of their respective affiliate units, conduct inquiries, constitute an ad hoc

•administrative body or to direct the concerned National Sports Body or their affiliate

•units to constitute an ad hoc administrative body, issue guidelines for formulation

•of the Code of Ethics, frame Safe Sports Policy for the protection and safety of

•women, minor athletes and other classes of persons, maintain a roster of the National

•Sports Election Panel.

SECTION Section 105

Untitled Section

•Clause 7.—This clause provides that the Central Government shall in

•consultation with Board, appoint officers and employees of the Board for

•discharging functions of the Board, under the Bill. The qualification, appointment,

•salary and allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the officer and

•employee of the Board shall be such as the Central Government may prescribe.

SECTION Section 106

Untitled Section

•Clause 8.—This clause provides for the po wer of the National Sports Board

•to grant Board recognition to any sports organisation as a National Sports Body and

•the board recognition granted under this clause shall be renewed periodically.

SECTION Section 107

Untitled Section

•Clause 9.—This clause empowers the Board to conduct an inqui ry, either on

•its own or in response to complaint received on matters affecting the welfare of

•sportspersons or the development of sports in the country or misuse of public funds.

SECTION Section 108

Untitled Section

•Clause 10.—This clause provides for the grounds on which Board shall either

•on its own or in response to complaint received shall exercise its power to suspend

•or cancel Board recognition of a National Sports Body or registration of an affiliate

•unit of a National Sports Body. It also provides that all appeals against order of the

•board under this clause shall lie with the Tribunal.

•20

•21

•Clause 11.—This clause provides for the Board to constitute or direct to

•constitute ad hoc administrative body as part of normalization process in case of

•loss of international recognition or Board recognition of a National Sports Body or

•suspension or cancellation of registration of an affiliate unit of a National Sports

Body.It also provides that the ad hoc administrative body shall consist of a

•maximum of five eminent sports administrators.

SECTION Section 109

Untitled Section

•Clause 12.—This clause provides for the Board to formulate guidelines for

•Code of Ethics establishing minimum standards for the ethical and appropriate

•conduct in National Sports Body. The guidelines for Code of Ethics shall be in

•alignment with Code of Ethics of international sports bodies.

SECTION Section 11

Untitled Section

9.Power of Board to conduct inquiry.

SECTION Section 110

Untitled Section

•Clause 13.—This clause provides to frame a comprehensive Safe Sports

•Policy by the Board to ensure the protection and safety of women, minor athletes

•and other persons.

SECTION Section 111

Untitled Section

•Clause 14.—This clause provides that only a recognised sports organisation

•shall be eligible to receive grants or any other financial assistance from the Central

Government.

SECTION Section 112

Untitled Section

•Clause 15.—This clause seek s to lay down the duties of recognised sports

•organisations and it also provides that a recognised sports organisation shall be

•considered as a Public Authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005 with

•respect to the exercise of its functions, duties and powers under the Bill.

SECTION Section 113

Untitled Section

•Clause 16.—This clause provides for National Sports Election Panel and

•appointment of electoral officer. The panel shall consist of such number of persons,

•as may be deemed necessary, with experience in conducting of elections. It also

•provides that the Board shall maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel.

•Further, the fees and other allowances of persons on National Sports Election Panel

•shall be as the Central Government may prescribe.

SECTION Section 114

Untitled Section

•Clause 17.—This clause pro vides for the Central Government to constitute,

•by notification, a National Sports Tribunal, which shall adjudicate upon sports

•related disputes. The Tribunal shall consist of a chairperson and two other members.

•The chairperson and the members of the Tribunal shall be appointed by the Central

•Government on the recommendations of a search -cum-selection committee. The

•Tribunal shall formulate its own procedure for the conduct of its business including

•the timelines to be followed for the disposal of matters and all expenses incurred in

•connection with the Tribunal shall be defrayed out of the Consolidated Fund of

India.

SECTION Section 115

Untitled Section

•Clause 18.—This clause lay down grounds for removal of chairperson or

•members of Tribunal.

SECTION Section 116

Untitled Section

•Clause 19.—This clause provides for appointment of officers and other

•employees for the Tribunal and provides to lay down qualifications, appointment,

•salary and allowances and other terms and conditions for appointment.

SECTION Section 117

Untitled Section

•Clause 20.—This clause provides those matters, where the Tribunal shall not

•have jurisdiction to adjudicate.

SECTION Section 118

Untitled Section

•Clause 21.—This clause provides that the members and other officers and

•employees of the Board or the Tribunal, shall be deemed to be public servants within

•the meaning of clause (28) of section 2 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

SECTION Section 119

Untitled Section

•Clause 22.—This clause provides for immediate transfer of all cases to the

•Tribunal in which National Sports Bodies are impleaded and are pending before a

•District Court or High Court.

SECTION Section 12

Untitled Section

10.Power of Board to suspend or cancel Board recognition.

SECTION Section 120

Untitled Section

•Clause 23.—This clause provides that no civil court shall have jurisdiction to

•entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of any matter on which the Tribunal is

•empowered under the Bill.

•22

•Clause 24.—This clause provides that for the purposes of discharging its

•functions under the Bill, the Tribunal shall have the same powers as are vested in a

•civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

SECTION Section 121

Untitled Section

•Clause 25.—This clause provides that unless the International Charters and

•Statutes provide for appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, an appeal

•against any order of the Tribunal shall lie with the Supreme Court.

SECTION Section 122

Untitled Section

•Clause 26.—This clause provides that an order passed by the Tribunal under

•this Bill shall be executable as a decree of a civil court, and for this purpose, the

•Tribunal shall have all the powers of a civil court.

SECTION Section 123

Untitled Section

•Clause 27.—This clause, inter alia , provides that any sports organisation,

•desirous of using the word “India” or “Indian” or “National” or any national insignia

•or symbols in any language in its registered name, operating name, logo or otherwise

•in its affairs, shall obtain a no-objection certificate from the Central Government for

•such use.

SECTION Section 124

Untitled Section

•Clause 28.—This clause seeks to constitute National Sports Board Fund and

•it shall be credited thereto with all grants, fees and charges and all sums received by

•the Board and the funds shall be applied for meeting salaries and allowances payable

•to Chairpersons, members and officers and other employees of the Board and meet

•all other expenses for the purposes authorised under the Bill.

SECTION Section 125

Untitled Section

•Clause 29.—This clause provides for maintenance of proper accounts and

•other relevant records by the Board which shall be audited by the Comptroller and

•Auditor-General of India or any other person appointed by him. The accounts and

•audit report of the Bo ard as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor -General of

•India or any other person appointed by him, shall be forwarded annually to the

•Central Government and the Government shall cause the same to be laid before each

•House of Parliament.

SECTION Section 126

Untitled Section

•Clause 30.—This clause provides for measures which may be taken by the

•Central Government in consonance with the International Charters for the

•promotion and development of sports, including in the public interest.

SECTION Section 127

Untitled Section

•Clause 31.—This clause seeks to empower the Central Government to make

•rules to carry out the purposes of the Bill.

SECTION Section 128

Untitled Section

•Clause 32.—This clause seeks to empower the National Sports Board to make

•regulations to carry out the purposes of the Bill.

SECTION Section 129

Untitled Section

•Clause 33.—This clause seeks to require that rules and regulations made under

•the Bill are to be laid before the Parliament.

SECTION Section 13

Untitled Section

11.Ad hoc administrative body.

•CHAPTER V

•CODE OF ETHICS

SECTION Section 130

Untitled Section

•Clause 34.—This clause seeks to empower the Central Government to

•exempt, by notification, all or any of the provisions of this Bill or any rule or

•regulation made thereunder from applyi ng upon a National Sports Body or its

•affiliate unit specified therein. It also empowers the Central Government to relax

•the eligibility criteria for the members of the Executive Committee, subject to

•conditions as specified under the Bill.

SECTION Section 131

Untitled Section

•Clause 35.—This clause seeks to empower the Central Government to give

•directions and impose reasonable restrictions in interest of national security, safety

•and public order.

SECTION Section 132

Untitled Section

•Clause 36.—This clause provides that no suit, prosecution or legal proceeding

•shall lie against any member of the Board or a National Sports Body or the Tribunal

•or any employee of such authorities or any other person or authority for anything

•which has been done or is intended to be done in good faith, under the provisions of

•the Bill.

•23

•Clause 37.—This clause provides that the National Sports Bodies shall

•primarily be guided by the International Charters and Statutes in the governance of

•its affairs and in the event of conflict between a provision of the Bill and the

•International Charters and Statutes, the Central Government may, after consulting

•the Board and the concerned International Sports Body, if deemed necessary, issue

•a clarificatory notification in this regard.

SECTION Section 133

Untitled Section

•Clause 38.—This clause seeks to empower the Central Government to is sue

•an order, for removal of any difficulty arises during implementation of the Bill, and

•such orders to be laid before House of Parliament. No orders under this clause shall

•be passed after expiry of a period of five years from the date of commencement of

•the Bill.

•24

•FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

SECTION Section 134

Untitled Section

•Clause 5 (1) provides for establishment of National Sports Board and clause 17(1)

•provides for constitution of National Sports Tribunal.

SECTION Section 135

Untitled Section

2.Clause 17 ( 10) provides that all expenses incurred in connection with the

•Tribunal shall be defrayed out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

SECTION Section 136

Untitled Section

3.Clause 28 provides for constitution of the National Sports Board Fund in

•which all grants, fees and charges received by the Board and all sums received by

•the Board from such other sources as may be decided upon by the Central

•Government will be credited. The Fund constituted shall be applied for meeting the

•salaries and allowances payable to the Chairperson and Members of the Board and

•the administrative expenses including the salaries and allowances payable to or in

•respect of officers and other employees of the Board; and all other expenses for

•meeting the objects and for the purposes authorised by the Bill.

SECTION Section 137

Untitled Section

4.Keeping in view the setting up of the National Sports Board and the

•National Sports Tribunal, initially rupees ten crores will be required for salaries of

•the members of the Board and Tribunal and o ther staff to be recruited during the

•first financial year. Expenditure on the National Sports Board and the National

•Sports Tribunal will be further revised as per their composition and other

requirements.As the expenditure would depend upon the composit ion of the

•National Sports Board and National Sports Tribunal and the staff to be recruited for

•both the bodies, recurring or non-recurring expenditure cannot be anticipated at this

stage.

SECTION Section 138

Untitled Section

5.The provisions of the Bill, if enacted, would involve recurring and

•non-recurring expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund of India. The aforesaid

•expenditure to be incurred, would be met from budgetary allocation after such

•allocation by the Department of Expenditure, as and when the Board and Tribunal

•will be established and constituted, respectively. This expenditure is not quantifiable

•at this stage as the structure, posts, number of officers and other aspects are not final.

•24

•25

•MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

SECTION Section 139

Untitled Section

•Clause 31 of the Bill seeks to empower the Central Government to make rules

•to carry out the provisions of the Bill. Sub-clause (2) of the said clause specifies the

•matters in respect of which rules may be made. These matters include—

(i)the r elevant affiliations of Regional Sports Federation under

•sub-clause (6) of clause 3; (ii) the sportspersons of outstanding merit and other

•categories of persons under the proviso to sub-clause (1)(a) of clause 4; (iii)

•the mode of el ections to different bodies, committees and offices including

•their term, eligibility criteria and disqualification of members thereof, and

•other matters of governance under sub -clause ( 4) of clause 4; ( iv) the

•composition and number of Members of the Boar d under sub -clause (1) of

SECTION Section 14

Untitled Section

12.Code of Ethics.

•CHAPTER VI

•SAFE SPORTS POLICY AND GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

SECTION Section 140

Untitled Section

•clause 5; ( v) the composition of the search -cum-selection committee under

•sub-clause (2) of clause 5; ( vi) the salary and allowances, term of office of

•Chairperson and other Members of the Board and other terms and conditions

•of t heir service, including removal from service under sub -clause ( 3) of

SECTION Section 141

Untitled Section

•clause 5; (vii) other places in which the Board shall establish its branch offices

•under sub-clause (5) of clause 5; (viii) the measures to be taken by the Board

•for ensuring protection of the rights and welfare of athletes and support

•personnel under clause 6 ( i); (ix) other powers and functions of the Board

•under clause 6 (j); (x) the qualifications, appointment, salary and allowances

•and other terms and conditions of service of the employees and other officers

•of the Board under sub -clause ( 3) of clause 7; ( xi) the conditions and the

•manner in which affiliate units of the National Sports Bodies shall ensure

•registration with the Board under sub-clause (6) of clause 8; (xii) other persons

•to be covered by the Safe Sports Policy under sub-clause (2) of clause 13; (xiii)

•manner of maintaining roster of the National Sports Election Panel by the

•Board under sub-clause (3) of clause 16; ( xiv) the fees and other allowances

•to be paid to the em panelled persons under sub -clause (4) of clause 16; ( xv)

•the term of office and other conditions of service of chairperson and members

•of Tribunal under sub -clause ( 8) of clause 17; ( xvi) the qualifications,

•appointment, salary and allowances and other terms and conditions of service

•of the employees and other officers of the Tribunal under sub -clause (3) of

SECTION Section 142

Untitled Section

•clause 19; (xvii) any other matter in respect of which the Tribunal may exercise

•the powers of a civil court under sub -clause (1) (i) of claus e 24; ( xviii) the

•form in which the Board shall prepare annual statement of accounts under

•sub-clause ( 1) of clause 29; ( xix) the measures to be taken by the Central

•Government for the promotion and development of sports under

•sub-clause (1) of clause 30; and (xx) any other matter which is to be, or may

•be prescribed under the Bill.

SECTION Section 143

Untitled Section

2.Clause 32 of the Bill empowers the National Sports Board, with the previous

•approval of the Central Government, to make regulations. Sub-clause (2) of the said

SECTION Section 144

Untitled Section

•clause specifies the matters in respect of which regulations may be made. These

•matters include—

(i)the manner of maintaining register of the National Sports Bodies and

•their respective affiliate units by the Board under clause 6 (b); (ii) the form,

•manner and particulars, of application under sub -clause (2) of clause 8; ( iii)

•other criteria and conditions to be complied by the sports organisations under

•sub-clause (3)(d) of clause 8; ( iv) the intervals and procedure for renewal of

•Board recognition under sub-clause (4) of clause 8; (v) the eligibility criteria

•for Board recognition of a sports organisation as a National Sports Promotion

•Organisation, the manner of their governance and functioning and the intervals

•and pro cedure for renewal of such recognition under sub -clause ( 8) of

SECTION Section 145

Untitled Section

•clause 8; and ( vi) any other matter which is to be, or may be, specified by

regulations.

•25

•26

3.The matters in respect of which the aforementioned rules and regulations

•may be made are matters of procedure and administrative details, and as such, it is

•not practicable to provide for them in the Bill itself. The delegation of legislative

•powers is, therefore, of a normal character.

•27

•28

•LOK SABHA

•————

•A

•BILL

•to provide for the development and promotion of sports, welfare measures for

•sportspersons, ethical practices based on basic universal principles of good

•governance, ethics and fair play of the Olympic and sports movement, the

•Olympic Charter, the Paralympic Charter, international best practices and

•established legal standards and to provide for the resolution of sports

•grievances and sports disputes in a unified, equitable and effective manner

•and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

•————

•(Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment; and

•Youth Affairs and Sports)

SECTION Section 15

Untitled Section

13.Safe Sports Policy.

•CHAPTER VII

•PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF RECOGNISED SPORTS ORGANISATION

SECTION Section 16

Untitled Section

14.Privileges of recognised sports organisation.

•(ii)

•CLAUSES

SECTION Section 17

Untitled Section

15.Duties of recognised sports organisations.

•CHAPTER VIII

•NATIONAL SPORTS ELECTION PANEL

SECTION Section 18

Untitled Section

16.National Sports Election Panel and appointment of electoral officer.

•CHAPTER IX

•NATIONAL SPORTS TRIBUNAL

SECTION Section 19

Untitled Section

17.Constitution of National Sports Tribunal.

SECTION Section 20

Untitled Section

18.Removal of chairperson or members of Tribunal.

SECTION Section 21

Untitled Section

19.Staff of Tribunal.

SECTION Section 22

Untitled Section

20.Exclusion of jurisdiction of Tribunal.

SECTION Section 23

Untitled Section

21.Members, etc., to be public servants.

SECTION Section 24

Untitled Section

22.Transfer of pending cases.

SECTION Section 25

Untitled Section

23.Bar on jurisdiction of a civil court.

SECTION Section 26

Untitled Section

24.Powers of Tribunal.

SECTION Section 27

Untitled Section

25.Appeal to Supreme Court.

SECTION Section 28

Untitled Section

26.Orders passed by Tribunal to be executable as a decree.

•CHAPTER X

•USE OF NATIONAL NAMES AND INSIGNIA

SECTION Section 29

Untitled Section

27.Use of national names and insignia.

•CHAPTER XI

•MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION Section 3

Untitled Section

1.Short title and commencement.

SECTION Section 31

Untitled Section

29.Accounts and audit.

SECTION Section 32

Untitled Section

30.Measures for promotion and development of sports.

SECTION Section 33

Untitled Section

31.Power to make rules.

SECTION Section 34

Untitled Section

32.Power to make regulations.

SECTION Section 35

Untitled Section

33.Laying of rules, regulations and notifications.

SECTION Section 36

Untitled Section

34.Power to exempt in special cases.

SECTION Section 37

Untitled Section

35.Power to issue directions and impose restrictions in national interest.

SECTION Section 38

Untitled Section

36.Protection of action taken in good faith.

SECTION Section 39

Untitled Section

37.Conflicts with International Charters and Statutes.

SECTION Section 4

Untitled Section

2.Definitions.

•CHAPTER II

•NATIONAL SPORTS BODIES

SECTION Section 40

Untitled Section

38.Power to remove difficulties.

•AS INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA

•Bill No. 76 of 2025

•THE NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE BILL, 2025

•A

•BILL

•to provide for the development and promotion of sports, welfare measures for

•sportspersons, ethical practices based on basic universal principles of good

•governance, ethics and fair play of the Olympic and sports movement, the

•Olympic Charter, the Paralymp ic Charter, international best practices and

•established legal standards and to provide for the resolution of sports

•grievances and sports disputes in a unified, equitable and effective manner

•and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

•WHEREAS the Olympic Charter and the Paralympic Charter emphasise

•impeccable ethical behaviour in sports governance, necessitating the national sports

•governing bodies to align with such global governance standards;

•AND WHEREAS the national sports governing bodies discharge important public

•functions in the country and it is pertinent for these bodies to manage their internal

•and external affairs in an open, fair and transparent manner in the public interest;

•2

•Short title and

commencement.

Definitions.

•AND WHEREAS the Government of India respects the principle of autonomy of

•the sports governing bodies in the country in line with the fundamental principles

•enshrined in the Olympic Charter and the Paralympic Charter;

•AND WHEREAS the Government of India recognises the importance of

•providing accessible, fair and effective measures for the resolution of grievances and

•disputes relating to sports;

•AND WHEREAS it is considered necessary to give effect to the aforesaid

objectives.

•BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India

•as follows:—

SECTION Section 41

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER I

•PRELIMINARY

SECTION Section 42

Untitled Section

1.(1) This Act may be called the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

(2)It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by

•notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, and different dates may be appointed

•for different provisions of this Act, and any reference in any such provision to the

•commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the coming into force

•of that provision.

SECTION Section 43

Untitled Section

2.In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a)“ad hoc administrative body” means a body constituted for ad hoc

•administration under section 11;

(b)“affiliate unit” means the State, district or other units of,—

(i)the National Olympic Committee;

•(ii) the National Paralympic Committee;

•(iii) the National Sports Federation; and

•(iv) the Regional Sports Federation;

(c)“Athletes Committee”, “Disputes Resolution Committee”, “Ethics

•Committee” and “Executive Committee”, by whatever name called, means the

•“Athletes Committee”, “Disputes Resolution Committee”, “Ethics Committee”

•and “Executive Committee”, respectively, of a National Sports Body;

(d)“Board” means the National Sports Board established under

•sub-section (1) of section 5;

(e)“Board recognition” means recognition of a sports organisation by

•the Board under this Act;

(f)“bye -laws” means the memoran dum of association or articles of

•association, by whatever name called, of a sports organisation;

(g)“designated sport” means any sport discipline as may be specified by

•the Central Government, by notification, to be a designated sport for a specific

•region or State or for the whole of India;

(h)“International Charters and Statutes” means the Olympic Charter and

•other Charters and Statutes of the international sports governing bodies and

•include any bye -laws, rules, regulations or constitution, by whatev er name

•called, as may be adopted, amended or issued by such bodies from time to time;

(i)“International Federation” means—

(i)a federation recognised as such by the International Olympic

•Committee in respect of an Olympic sport; or

•(ii) a federation recognised as such by the International Paralympic

•Committee in respect of a Paralympic sport; or

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•3

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•(iii) a federation which regulates the sport at international level in

•respect of non-Olympic or non-Paralympic sports;

(j)“International Olympic Committee” means the governing body for

•the Olympic Games;

(k)“International Paralympic Committee” means the governing body for

•the Paralympic Games;

(l)“international recognition” means the recognition of a national sports

•governing body by the concerned international sports governing body;

(m)“International Sports Body” means an international sports governing

•body such as the International Olympic Committee or the International

•Paralympic Committee or International Federation or a continental governing

•body for sports;

(n)“National Olympic Committee” means the National Olympic

•Committee established under section 3 as a national sports governing body and

•recognised as the National Olympic Committee of India by the International

•Olympic Committee;

(o)“National Paralympic Committee” means the National Paralympic

•Committee established under section 3 as a national sports governing body and

•recognised as the National Paralympic Committee of India by the International

•Paralympic Committee;

(p)“National Sports Body” means a national sports governing body such

•as the National Olympic Committee or the National Paralympic Committee or

•the National Sports Federation or the Regional Sports Federation, established

•under section 3;

(q)“National Sports Election Panel” means the National Sports Election

•Panel notified under section 16 to oversee the conduct of free and fair elections

•to the Executive Committee and the Athletes Committee of the National Sports

•Bodies;

(r)“National Sports Federation” means a National Sports Federation

•established under section 3 as a national sports governing body for a

•designated sport;

(s)“National Sports Promotion Organisation” means a sports

•organisation or body contributing towards the development of sports, such as

•talent identification and their nurturing, policy advocacy rel ating to sports

•administration or welfare and recognised by the Board under sub -section (7)

•of section 8;

(t)“notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette

•and the expression “notify” or “notified”, shall be construed accordingly;

(u)“prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the Central

•Government under this Act;

(v)“recognised sports organisation” means a sports organisation

•recognised by the Board as a National Sports Body under sub -section (1) of

SECTION Section 44

Untitled Section

•section 8;

(w)“Regional S ports Federation” means a Regional Sports Federation

•established under section 3 as national sports governing body for a designated

•sport;

(x)“regulations” means regulations made by the Board under this Act;

(y)“Secretary General” means the Secretary General or the Secretary of

•a National Sports Body;

•4

•Establishment of

•national sports

•governing

bodies.

•Compliance with

•certain

•requirements by

•National Sports

Bodies.

(z)“sportsperson of outstanding merit” means a sportsperson referred to

•in the proviso to clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 4;

•(za) “State” means a State specified in the First Schedule to the

•Constitution and includes a Union territory;

•(zb) “Tribunal” means the National Sports Tribunal constituted under

•sub-section (1) of section 17.

SECTION Section 45

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER II

•NATIONAL SPORTS BODIES

SECTION Section 46

Untitled Section

3.( 1) The following bodies shall be established as the national sports

•governing bodies for their respective recognised sports organisations, namely:—

(a)the National Olympic Committee;

(b)the National Paralympic Committee;

(c)a National Sports Federation for each designated sport; and

(d)a Regional Sports Federation for each designated sport.

(2)There shall be only one National Olympic Committee and one National

•Paralympic Committee, each governing multi-sport disciplines.

(3)The National Olympic Committee shall have an international recognition

•and affiliation of the International Olympic Committee.

(4)The National Paralympic Committee shall have an international

•recognition and affiliation of the International Paralympic Committee.

(5)Every National Sports Federation shall have an international recognition

•and affiliation of the concerned international sports governing body:

•Provided that this sub-section shall not apply to a designated sport which does

•not have an international sports governing body.

(6)Every Regional Sports Federation shall have the relevant affiliations as

•may be prescribed.

SECTION Section 47

Untitled Section

4.(1) Every National Sports Body shall have,—

(a)a General Body, consisting of equal number of representatives from

•each of its affiliate units and such other ex officio members as per its bye-laws

•and the International Charters and Statutes, as applicable:

•Provided that it shall have representation of such sportspersons of

•outstanding merit and such other categories of persons, as may be prescribed;

(b)an Executive Committee which shall consist of not more than fifteen

•members, of whom—

(i)at least two shall be sportspersons of outstanding merit;

•(ii) two shall be from the Athletes Committee to be elected from

•amongst themselves; and

•(iii) such number of ex officio and other members shall be

•nominated or elected , as the case may be, as per the International

•Charters and Statutes and the bye-laws:

•Provided that at least four members shall be women:

•Provided further that the voting rights of elected representatives of the

•Athletes Committee in the Executive Committee shall be as determined by the

•bye-laws;

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

(c)an Ethics Committee to be constituted as per its bye -laws and the

•International Charters and Statutes, as applicable:

•Provided that the Ethics Committee of the National Olympic Committee

•shall function as the Ethics Committee of any National Sports Body which

•does not have such Committee;

(d)a Dispute Resolution Committee to be constituted as per its bye-laws

•and the International Charters and Statutes, as applicable:

•Provided that the Dispute Resolution Committee of the National

•Olympic Committee shall function as the Dispute Resolution Co mmittee of

•any National Sports Body which does not have such Committee;

(e)an Athletes Committee consisting of elected members as determined

•by the bye-laws;

(f)a President who shall be the head of the concerned National Sports

•Body and shall preside over the meetings of its Executive Committee and the

•General Body;

(g)a Secretary General of the concerned National Sports Body shall be

•the head of administration who shall be responsible for carrying out all

•decisions of the Executive Committee and the General Body:

•Provided that where the International Charters and Statutes provide for

•a full-time head of administration, by whatever name called, there shall not be

•an elected post of the head of administration;

(h)a Treasurer who shall be the custodian of funds or the accounts of the

•concerned National Sports Body.

(2)A person shall not be qualified to contest for election or seek nomination

•to, the Executive Committee, unless—

(a)such person is a citizen of India who has attained at least twenty-five

•years of age;

(b)such person is a sportsperson of outstanding merit or, has previously

•served as a member of the Executive Committee for at least two full terms, if

•such person is contesting election for the position of the President or the

•Secretary General or the Treasurer:

•Provided that a person may continuously hold the position of either the

•President or the Secretary General or the Treasurer, as the case may be, for up

•to three consecutive terms separately, or in combination thereof and shall be

•eligible for election to the Executive Committee after a mandatory cooling off

•period of one term;

(c)the nomination of such person is duly proposed and seconded by a

•voting member of the General Body;

(d)such person is not declared to be of unsound mind;

(e)such person complies with the International Charters and Statutes and

•bye-laws relating to age and term of the Executive Committee:

•Provided that such person shall not be more than seventy years of age on

•the last date of nomination for election:

•Provided further that any person, aged between seventy and seventy-five

•years, may contest elections or seek nominations, if permitted by the

•International Charters and Statutes and the bye -laws and in case such person

•is elected, he shall serve for a full term;

•6

•Establishment of

•National Sports

Board.

•Powers and

•functions of

Board.

(f)such person, if he is a government servant, has necessary approvals

•from the Government, as applicable.

(3)The term of the Executive Committee shall be as provided in the bye-laws

•subject to a maximum period of four years.

(4)The mode of election to different bodies, committees and offices including

•their term, eligibility criteria and disqualification of members thereof, an d other

•matters of governance shall be such as may be prescribed.

SECTION Section 48

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER III

•THE NATIONAL SPORTS BOARD

SECTION Section 49

Untitled Section

5.(1) The Central Government may, by notification, establish a Board to be

•known as the National Sports Board, consisting of a Chairperson and such num ber

•of other Members as may be prescribed.

(2)The Chairperson and the Members referred to in sub -section (1) shall be

•appointed by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity and

•standing who possesses special knowledge or practical experience in the field of

•public administration, sports governance, sports law and other related fields, on the

•recommendation of a search-cum-selection committee comprising of such number

•of persons, having wide experience in public administration, spor ts administration

•and recipients of national sports awards, as may be prescribed.

(3)The salary and allowances and the term of office of the Chairperson and

•other Members of the Board and other terms and conditions of their service,

•including removal from service, shall be such as may be prescribed.

(4)The Board shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having

•perpetual succession and a common seal, with power subject to the provisions of

•this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and

•to contract, and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued.

(5)The head office of the Board shall be at Delhi and the Board shall establish

•its branch offices at such other places as may be prescribed.

SECTION Section 5

Untitled Section

3.Establishment of national sports governing bodies.

SECTION Section 50

Untitled Section

6.The Board shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions

•to carry out the provisions of this Act, namely:—

(a)the grant of Board recognition to sports organisations and registration

•of affiliate units and to suspend or cancel such recognition or registration;

(b)to maintain a register of the National Sports Bodies and each of their

•respective affiliate units in such manner as may be specified by regulations;

(c)to conduct inquiries on matters specified in section 9;

(d)to constitute an ad hoc administrative body or to direct the concerned

•National Sports Body or their affiliate units, as the case may be, to so

•constitute, as per section 11;

(e)to issue guidelines for formulation of the Code of Ethics by the

•National Sports Bodies;

(f)to frame Safe Sports Policy for the protection and safety of women,

•minor athletes and other classes of persons;

(g)maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel as per section 16;

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•7

•21 of 1860.

•18 of 2013.

•2 of 1882.

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

(h)collaborate with the International Sports Bodies and National Sports

•Bodies for the development of sports and welfare of athletes in India and to

•issue guidelines to the National Sports Bodies for ensuring compliance with

•the international standards and best practices of the Olympic and sports

•movement;

(i)take such measures as may be prescribed, to ensure the protection of

•the rights and welfare of athletes and support personnel; and

(j)such other powers and functions as may be prescribed.

SECTION Section 51

Untitled Section

7.(1) The Central Government shall, in consultation wi th the Board, appoint

•such officers and other employees as may be necessary for discharging the functions

•of the Board.

(2)The officers and other employees of the Board shall discharge their

•functions under the general superintendence and control of the C hairperson or any

•other member of the Board to whom powers for exercising such superintendence

•and control are delegated by the Chairperson.

(3)The qualifications, appointment, salary and allowances and other terms and

•conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the Board shall be such

•as may be prescribed.

SECTION Section 52

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER IV

•THE GOVERNANCE OF RECOGNISED SPORTS ORGANISATIONS

SECTION Section 53

Untitled Section

8.(1) The Board shall have the power to grant Board recognition to any sports

•organisation as a National Sports Body.

(2)Any sports organisation desirous of obtaining Board recognition as a

•National Sports Body under this section shall apply to the Board in such form and

•manner and containing such particulars, as may be specified by regulations.

(3)No sports organisation sh all be recognised under sub -section (1) unless

•such organisation,—

(a)is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860; or

(b)is a not -for-profit company incorporated under section 8 of the

•Companies Act, 2013; or

(c)is a trust created under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882; and

(d)complies with such other criteria and conditions as may be specified

•by regulations and having the sole object of the development of sports.

(4)The Board recognition granted under this section shall be renewed

•periodically at such intervals and in accordance with such procedure as may be

•specified by regulations.

(5)All sports organisations recognised as National Sports Bodies by the

•Central Government before the commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to have

•Board recognition under this Act and the provisions of this Act shall, mutatis

•mutandis, apply to such organisation.

(6)All affiliate units of National Sports Bodies shall ensure that they are

•registered with the Board, subject to such conditions and in such manner, as may be

prescribed.

(7)The Board, subject to the prior approval of the Central Government, shall

•also have the power to recognise sports organisations participating in sports

•governance, athlete support and welfare, as National Sports Promotion

Organisations.

•Staff of Board.

•Board recognition

•and registration.

•8

•Power of Board

•to conduct

inquiry.

•Power of Board

•to suspend or

•cancel Board

recognition.

(8)The eligibility criteria for Board recognition and the manner of governance

•and functioning of the National Sports Promotion Organisations shall be such as

•may be specified by regulations:

•Provided that a National Sports Promotion Organisation recognised by the

•Central Government before the commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to have

•been recognised as such under this Act and the provisions of this Act shall, mutatis

•mutandis, apply to such organisation:

•Provided further that the Board recognition g ranted under this sub -section

•shall be renewed periodically at such intervals and in accordance with such

•procedure as may be specified by regulations.

SECTION Section 54

Untitled Section

9.The Board may, either on its own motion, or in response to complaint

•received from any person or body on matters affecting the welfare of sportspersons

•or the development of sports in the country or misuse of public funds, conduct an

•inquiry where it is satisfied that there is a reasonable cause so to do:

•Provided that no such complaint shall be entertai ned unless the complainant

•has exhausted all available remedies with the National Sports Body or their affiliate

•units:

•Provided further that the Board may entertain such complaint if it is satisfied

•that accessing those remedies would result in unnecessar y delay or unreasonable

prejudice.

SECTION Section 55

Untitled Section

10.( 1) The Board may, either on its own motion, or on the receipt of a

•complaint by an aggrieved party, by order, suspend or cancel the Board recognition

•of a sports organisation as a National Sports Body or registration of an affiliate unit

•of a National Sports Body, in any of the following circumstances, namely:—

(a)the international recognition of the concerned National Sports Body

•has been suspended or cancelled by the concerned International Sports Body;

(b)the concerned affiliate unit has been suspended or disaffiliated by the

•concerned National Sports Body;

(c)the National Sports Body has violated any of the provisions of this

•Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder, including eligibility criteria

•or terms and conditions of the Board recognition;

(d)the Registrar of Companies or the Registrar of Societies of the

•concerned sports organisation has reported gross irregularities in the internal

•functioning or removed the name of the National Sports Body or i ts affiliate

•units;

(e)the National Sports Body or the affiliate unit has—

(i)failed to hold elections for its Executive Committee or has

•committed gross irregularities in the election procedures thereof; or

•(ii) failed to publish its annual audited accounts; or

•(iii) has misused, misapplied or misappropriated any public funds:

•Provided that the suspension or disaffiliation referred to in clause ( a) and

SECTION Section 56

Untitled Section

•clause (b) shall be co-terminus with the suspension or disaffiliation by the concerned

•International Sports Body or the National Sports Body, as the case may be, which

•may be extended by the Board, for reasons to be recorded in writing, for such further

•period as the Board may consider necessary.

(2)Before issuing an order of suspension or cancellation of Board recognition

•or registration of the sports organisation under sub -section ( 1), the Board shall

•consult the concerned—

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•9

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•50

(a)International Sports Body, where such suspension or cancellation of

•Board recognition concerns the National Sports Federation or the Regional

•Sports Federation;

(b)National Sports Federation or the Regional Sports Federation, where

•such suspension or cancellation of registration concerns any affiliate unit,

•and upon such consultation, take any of the following measures, namely:—

(i)issue an order, directing the National Sports Body or its affiliate unit,

•to take such action as is appropriate to correct the deficiency and upon

•compliance, the Board may make a finding of compliance; or

•(ii) conduct a hearing by giving reasonable opportunity to the parties to

•present their case before pronouncing its decision.

(3)An appeal against any order of the Board for suspension or cancellation of

•Board recognition or registration under this section shall lie with the Tribunal.

SECTION Section 57

Untitled Section

11.(1) In the event of loss of the international recognition of a National Sports

•Body, the normalisation process shall be implemented as per the International

•Charters and Statutes and the Board shall not interfere in such process.

(2)In the absence of the normalisation process referred to in sub -section (1)

•on the loss of international recognition of a National Sports Body, or in the event of

•cancellation or suspension of Board recognition of a N ational Sports Body under

SECTION Section 58

Untitled Section

•section 10, where the loss of recognition concern—

(a)a National Olympic Committee or a National Paralympic Committee,

•the Board may constitute an ad hoc administrative body in consultation with

•the International Olympic Committe e or the International Paralympic

•Committee, as the case may be;

(b)a National Sports Federation, the Board may, in consultation with the

•concerned International Federation, wherever applicable, direct the National

•Olympic Committee to constitute an ad hoc administrative body;

(c)a Regional Sports Federation, the Board may in consultation with the

•concerned International Federation, if any, constitute an ad hoc administrative body.

(3)In the event of cancellation or suspension of Board recognition or

•registration of an affiliate unit of a National Sports Body under section 10,—

(a)where the cancellation or suspension of Board recognition or

•registration, concerns a State sports federat ion, the Board may direct the

•concerned National Sports Federation or the Regional Sports Federation; and

(b)where the cancellation or suspension of Board recognition or

•registration, concerns a district sports federation, the Board may direct the

•concerned State sports federation,

•to constitute an ad hoc administrative body consisting of such members as may be

•determined by the Board in consultation with the National Sports Body or the

•concerned affiliate State unit, as the case may be.

(4)The ad hoc administrative body shall be responsible for administering the

•concerned sports body or its affiliate units to ensure compliance with the provisions

•of this Act.

(5)The ad hoc administrative body referred to in sub-section (2) shall consist

•of a maximum of five eminent sports administrators, who have previously held the

•office of a President or a Secretary General or a Treasurer of a National Sports Body

•or who is or has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the National

•Olympic Committee, having no past association with the sports discipline or any

•conflict of interest:

•Provided that no person shall be part of more than one ad hoc administrative

•body at the same time.

•Ad hoc

•administrative

body.

•10

•Code of Ethics.

•Safe Sports

Policy.

•Privileges of

•recognised

•sports

organisation.

•Duties of

•recognised

•sports

organisations.

•National Sports

•Election Panel

•and appointment

•of electoral

officer.

•CHAPTER V

•CODE OF ETHICS

SECTION Section 59

Untitled Section

12.(1) Every National Sports Body shall formulate a Code of Ethics for the

•members of its Executive Committee and other committees, employees, staff,

•sponsors, coaches, athletes, officials, members, affiliates and such other relevant

•persons, in accordance with the guidelines specified by the Board.

(2)The Code of Ethics shall establish minimum standards for the ethical and

•appropriate conduct of the persons specified in sub-section (1).

(3)The Code of Ethics shall be framed in accordance with the Code of Ethics of

•the International Sports Bodies and in consonance with the applicable laws in India.

(4)The Code of Ethics shall provide measures for protection of vulnerable

•persons against abuse by persons in positions of trust, responsibility or authority.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub -section, “person in a position of

•trust” means any person who exercises authority, control or influence over another

•person, or a person on whom another person is dependent and who is connected or

•associated with the affairs of the National Sports Body.

SECTION Section 6

Untitled Section

4.Compliance with certain requirements by National Sports Bodies.

•CHAPTER III

•THE NATIONAL SPORTS BOARD

SECTION Section 60

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER VI

•SAFE SPORTS POLICYAND GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

SECTION Section 61

Untitled Section

13.(1) The Board shall frame a comprehensive Safe Sports Policy applicable

•to all activities, events, operations and proceedings conducted by the National Sports

Bodies.

(2)The Safe Sport s Policy shall include provisions to ensure the protection

•and safety of women and minor athletes and such other persons as may be

prescribed.

(3)Every National Sports Body shall establish an internal grievance redressal

•mechanism to address the grievances raised by athletes, coaches and other

•individuals associated with such body, in a fair, timely and transparent manner.

SECTION Section 62

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER VII

•PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF RECOGNISED SPORTS ORGANISATION

SECTION Section 63

Untitled Section

14.Only a recognised sports organisation shall be eligible to receive grants or

•any other financial assistance from the Central Government.

SECTION Section 64

Untitled Section

15.( 1) A recognised sports organisation shall ensure that all its voting

•members and affiliate units, as applicable, complies with—

(a)the International Charters and Statutes, as applicable, and shall

•exercise the rights, perform the duties and discharge the functions as specified

•therein; and

(b)the provisio ns of this Act and the rules and regulations made

thereunder.

(2)A recognised sports organisation shall be considered as a public authority

•under the Right to Information Act, 2005 with respect to the exercise of its functions,

•duties and powers under this Act.

SECTION Section 65

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER VIII

•NATIONAL SPORTS ELECTION PANEL

SECTION Section 66

Untitled Section

16.(1) The Central Government shall, on the recommendations of the Board,

•notify a National Sports Election Panel consisting of such number of persons as it

•may deem necessary, who are retired Chief Election Commissioner or Election

•Commissioner or Deputy Election Commission er or retired State Election

•Commissioner or Chief Electoral Officers of the States, with adequate experience of

•conduct of elections under the Representation of the People Act,1951.

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•22 of 2005.

•43 of 1951.

•11

•43 of 1951.

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•50

(2)The persons notified under sub-section (1) shall act as electoral officers to

•oversee the conduct of free and fair elections to the Executive Committees and the

•Athletes Committee of the National Sports Bodies.

(3)The Board shall maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel in

•such manner as may be prescribed.

(4)The fees and other allowances to be paid to the persons notified under

•sub-section (1) shall be such as may be prescribed.

(5)The National Sports Bodies may appoint an electoral officer from the

•National Sports Election Panel to ove rsee its election process and ensure free and

•fair elections:

•Provided that where the Charter or Statutes of the International Sports Body

•require appointment of any other person as an electoral officer, the concerned

•National Sports Body may appoint such other person after furnishing the details,

•including qualifications and experience, of the person, to the Board.

(6)Every National Sports Body, having affiliate units, shall prepare an

•Election Panel for the conduct of free and fair elections of the Executive Committees

•of their affiliate units, consisting of such number of retired persons as it may deem

•necessary, having adequate experience of conduct of elections under the

•Representation of the People Act, 1951.

(7)Every affiliate unit shall appoint an electoral officer from the roster to be

•maintained by the National Sports Body, to oversee its election process and ensure

•free and fair elections.

SECTION Section 67

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER IX

•NATIONAL SPORTS TRIBUNAL

SECTION Section 68

Untitled Section

17.(1) The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute a National Sports

•Tribunal consisting of a chairperson and two other members, to provide for the

•independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of sports related disputes.

(2)The cha irperson shall be a person who is or has been, a Judge of the

•Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court.

(3)The members shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide

•knowledge and experience in sports, public administration and law.

(4)The chairperson and the other members of the Tribunal shall be appointed

•by the Central Government on the recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection

•Committee consisting of the following members, namely:—

(a)the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Ju dge recommended

•by the Chief Justice of India—chairperson;

(b)the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Law and

•Justice;

(c)the Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Sports.

(5)The Search -cum-Selection Committee sh all determine the procedure for

•making its recommendations.

(6)Notwithstanding anything contained in any judgment, order or decree of

•any court, or in any law for the time being in force, the Search -cum-Selection

•Committee shall recommend a panel of two n ames for appointment to the post of

•chairperson or member, as the case may be, and the Central Government shall take

•a decision on the recommendations made by that Committee, preferably within three

•months from the date of such recommendation.

(7)No appoi ntment shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or

•absence of a member in the Search-cum-Selection Committee.

(8)The term of office and other conditions of service of chairperson and

•members of the Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed.

•Constitution of

•National Sports

Tribunal.

•12

•Removal of

•chairperson or

•members of

Tribunal.

•Staff of

Tribunal.

•Exclusion of

•jurisdiction of

Tribunal.

(9)The Tribunal shall formulate its own procedure for the conduct of its

•business including the timelines to be followed for the disposal of matters.

(10)All expenses incurred in connection with the Tribunal shall be defrayed

•out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

SECTION Section 69

Untitled Section

18.(1) The Central Government shall remove from office a chairperson or

•member of the Tribunal who—

(a)has been adjudged an insolvent;

(b)has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central

•Government, involves moral turpitude;

(c)has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a member;

(d)has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect

•prejudicially his or her functions as a member; or

(e)has so abused his position as to render his co ntinuation in office

•prejudicial to public interest:

•Provided that where the chairperson or member is proposed to be

•removed on any ground specified in clauses (c) to (e), he shall be informed of

•the charges against him and given an opportunity of being heard in respect of

•those charges.

(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub -section (1), a member of the

•Tribunal shall not be removed from his office on the grounds specified therein unless

•the Chief Justice of India or his nominee judge, on a reference being made to him in

•this behalf by the Central Government, has on enquiry held in accordance with such

•procedure as he may specify in this behalf, recommended the removal.

SECTION Section 7

Untitled Section

5.Establishment of National Sports Board.

SECTION Section 70

Untitled Section

19.( 1) The Central Government shall, in consultation with the Tribunal,

•appoint such officers and other employees as may be necessary for discharging the

•functions of the Tribunal.

(2)The officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall discharge their

•functions under the general superintendence and control of the chairperson or an y

•other member of the Tribunal to whom powers for exercising such superintendence

•and control are delegated by the chairperson.

(3)The qualifications, appointment, salary and allowances and other terms and

•conditions of service of officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall be such

•as may be prescribed.

SECTION Section 71

Untitled Section

20.The Tribunal shall not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the following

•matters, namely:—

(a)any dispute, or conflict arising during the Olympic Games,

•Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian G ames, or any other

•similar events organised by any International Federations;

(b)any dispute falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of—

(i)the internal disputes resolution committee of a National Sports

•Body; or

•(ii) any other tribunal or court; or

•(iii) any International Federation; or

•(iv) the Court of Arbitration for Sports established in Lausanne,

•Switzerland;

(c)doping related disputes, where Disciplinary Panels constituted under

•the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 have exclusive jurisdiction;

(d)any matter in respect of which the International Charters and Statutes

•require the parties to submit to specific mechanism or forum for adjudication.

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•15 of 2022.

•13

•45 of 2023.

•5 of 1908.

•47 of 2023.

•45 of 2023.

•46 of 2023.

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

SECTION Section 72

Untitled Section

21.The members and other officers and employees of the Board or the

•Tribunal shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of

SECTION Section 73

Untitled Section

•clause (28) of section 2 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

SECTION Section 74

Untitled Section

22.(1) All cases under civil jurisdiction falling within the scope of this Act, in

•which the National Sports Bodies are impleaded as parties and are pending before a

•District Court or High Court immediately before the constitution of the Tribunal,

•shall be transferred to the Tribunal on and from such date as may be specified by the

•Central Government.

(2)The cases transferred to the Tribunal under sub -section (1) may be heard

•and adjudicated from the stage at which such dispute was pending in the concerned

•Court, or may be heard afresh if the Tribunal deems appropriate after recording the

•reasons therefor in writing.

SECTION Section 75

Untitled Section

23.No civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in

•respect of any matter on which the Tribunal is empowered under this Act to

•determine and no injunction shall be granted by any court or other authority in

•respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred on

•the Tribunal by or under this Act.

SECTION Section 76

Untitled Section

24.(1) The Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging it s functions

•under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil

•Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:—

(a)summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and

•examining him on oath;

(b)requiring the discovery and production of documents;

(c)receiving evidence on affidavits;

(d)calling for any public record or document or a copy of such record or

•document, from any office, subject to the provisions of section s 129 and 130

•of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023;

(e)issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;

(f)reviewing its decisions;

(g)dismissing an application for default or deciding it, ex parte;

(h)setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or

•any order passed by it, ex parte; and

(i)any other matter which may be prescribed.

(2)Every proceeding before the Tribunal shall be deemed to be a judicial

•proceeding within the meaning of sections 228, 229, 233, 257 and 267 of the

•Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

(3)The Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purpose of

SECTION Section 77

Untitled Section

•section 215 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

SECTION Section 78

Untitled Section

25.(1) Unless the International Charters and Statutes provide for appeal before

•the Court of Arbitration for Sport, an appeal shall lie against any order of the

•Tribunal, not being an interlocutory order, to the Supreme Court.

(2)No appeal shall lie against any decision made by the Tribunal with the

•consent of the parties.

(3)Every appeal under this section shall be preferred within a period of thirty

•days from the date of the decision appealed against:

•Provided that the Supreme Court may entertain the appeal after the expiry of

•the said period of thirty day s, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by

•sufficient cause from preferring the appeal in time.

•Members, etc., to

•be public

servants.

•Transfer of

•pending cases.

•Bar on

•jurisdiction of a

•civil court.

•Powers of

Tribunal.

•Appeal to

•Supreme Court.

•14

•Orders passed by

•Tribunal to be

•executable as a

decree.

•Use of national

•names and

insignia.

Fund.

•Accounts and

audit.

26.(1) An order passed by the Tribunal under this Act shall be executable as

•a decree of a civil court, and for this purpose, the Tribunal shall have all the powers

•of a civil court.

(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub -section (1), the Tribunal may

•transmit any order made by it to a civil court having local jurisdiction and such civil

•court shall execute the order as if it were a decree made by that court.

SECTION Section 79

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER X

•USE OF NATIONAL NAMES AND INSIGNIA

SECTION Section 8

Untitled Section

6.Powers and functions of Board.

SECTION Section 80

Untitled Section

27.(1) Any sports organisation desirous of using the word “India” or “Indian”

•or “National” or any national insignia or symbols in any language in its registered

•name, operating name, logo or otherwise in its affairs, shall obtain a no -objection

•certificate from the Central Government for such use:

•Provided that a sports organisation other than a recognised sports organisation

•shall, in addition to the requirements under this sub-section, obtain written consent

•of the Board.

(2)No sports organisation shall use the name “India” or the name of any State

•or district in India, or conduct any sports trials, tournaments, or events upon the

•suspension or cancellation of its recognition by the Board under this Act.

(3)No person or group of persons, either individually or collectively, shall

•represent or b e allowed to represent India or any State or district in India, in any

•sports trials, tournaments or events of designated sports without an authorisation by

•a National Sports Body or its affiliate unit.

SECTION Section 81

Untitled Section

•CHAPTER XI

•MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION Section 82

Untitled Section

28.(1) There shall be constituted a Fund to be called the National Sports Board

•Fund and there shall be credited thereto—

(a)all grants, fees and charges received by the Board under this Act; and

(b)all sums received by the Board from such other sources as may be

•decided upon by the Central Government.

(2)The Fund constituted under sub-section (1) shall be applied for meeting—

(a)the salaries and allowances payable to the Chairperson and Members

•of the Board and the administrative expenses including the salaries and

•allowances payable to or in respect of officers and other employees of the

•Board; and

(b)all other expenses for meeting the objects and for the purposes

•authorised by this Act.

SECTION Section 83

Untitled Section

29.(1) The Board shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant records and

•prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed by the Central

•Government in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

(2)The accoun ts of the Board shall be audited by the Comptroller and

•Auditor-General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him and any

•expenditure incurred in connection with such audit shall be payable by the Board to

•the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

(3)The Comptroller and Auditor -General of India and any other person

•appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the Board shall

•have the same rights and privileges and authority in connection with such audit as

•the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India generally has, in connection with the

•audit of the Government accounts and, in particular, shall have the right to demand

•the production of books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and

•papers and to inspect any of the offices of the Board.

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•50

•15

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

(4)The accounts of the Board as certified by the Comptroller and

•Auditor-General of India or any other person appointed by him in this behalf

•together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Central

•Government and that Government shall cause the same to be laid before each House

•of Parliament.

SECTION Section 84

Untitled Section

30.(1) The Central Government in consonance with the International Charters

•and Statutes, may take such measures as may be prescribed, as it considers necessary

•for the promotion and development of sports, including in the public interest.

(2)The measures referred to in sub-section (1), may include,—

(a)the guiding principles for the conduct of elections by the National

•Sports Bodies, including model election rules;

(b)the promotion of the welfare and interests of sportspersons;

(c)the protection of the data and privacy of sportspersons; and

(d)the appropriate use of technology and analytics in the context of sport.

SECTION Section 85

Untitled Section

31.(1) The Central Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying

•out the provisions of this Act:

•Provided that the Central Government, while making rules under this section,

•shall take into consideration the International Charter s and Statutes, with the

•objective of ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management

•and administration of sports in India.

(2)In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing

•power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a)the relevant affiliatio ns of Regional Sports Federation under

•sub-section (6) of section 3;

(b)the sportspersons of outstanding merit and other categories of persons

•under the proviso to clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 4;

(c)the mode of elections to differ ent bodies, committees and offices

•including their term, eligibility criteria and disqualification of members

•thereof, and other matters of governance under sub-section (4) of section 4;

(d)the composition and number of Members of the Board under

•sub-section (1) of section 5;

(e)the composition of the search -cum-selection committee under

•sub-section (2) of section 5;

(f)the salary and allowances, term of office of Chairperson and other

•Members of the Board and other terms and conditi ons of their service

•including removal from service, under sub-section (3) of section 5;

(g)other places in which the Board shall establish its branch offices

•under sub-section (5) of section 5;

(h)the measures to be taken by the Board for ensuring protection of the

•rights and welfare of athletes and support personnel under clause (i) of section 6;

(i)other powers and functions of the Board under clause (j) of section 6;

(j)the qualifications, appointment, salary and allowances and other terms

•and conditions of service of the employees and other officers of the Board

•under sub-section (3) of section 7;

(k)the conditions and the manner in which affiliate units of the National

•Sports Bodies shall ensure registration of their affiliate units with the Board

•under sub-section (6) of section 8;

(l)other persons to be covered by the Safe Sport s Policy under

•sub-section (2) of section 13;

•Measures for

•promotion and

•development of

sports.

•Power to make

rules.

•16

•Power to make

regulations.

•Laying of rules,

•regulations and

notifications.

(m)manner of maintaining roster of the National Sports Election Panel

•by the Board under sub-section (3) of section 16;

(n)the fees and other allowances to be paid to the empanelled persons

•under sub-section (4) of section 16;

(o)the term of office and other conditions of service of chairperson and

•members of Tribunal under sub-section (8) of section 17;

(p)the qualifications, appointment, salary and allowances and other

•terms and conditions of service of the employees and other officers of the

•Tribunal under sub-section (3) of section 19;

(q)any other matter under clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 24;

(r)the form in which the Board shall prepare annual statement of

•accounts under sub-section (1) of section 29;

(s)the measures to be taken by the Central Government for the

•promotion and development of sports under sub-section (1) of section 30; and

(t)any other matter which is to be, or may be prescribed.

SECTION Section 86

Untitled Section

32.(1) The Board may, with the previous approval of the Central Government,

•by notification , make regulations consistent with this Act and the rules made

•thereunder, to carry out the provisions of this Act:

•Provided that the Board, while making regulations under this section, shall

•comply with the International Charter and Statutes, with the ob jective of ensuring

•transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management and administration of

•sports in India.

(2)In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing

•power, such regulations may make provision for—

(a)the manner of maintaining register of the National Sports Bodies and

•their respective affiliate units by the Board under clause (b) of section 6;

(b)the form, manner and particulars of application under sub-section (2)

•of section 8;

(c)other criteria and condit ions to be complied by the sports

•organisations under clause (d) of sub-section (3) of section 8;

(d)the intervals and procedure for renewal of Board recognition under

•sub-section (4) of section 8;

(e)the eligibility criteria for Board recognition of the sports organisation

•as a National Sports Promotion Organisation, the manner of their governance

•and functioning and the intervals and procedure for renewal of such

•recognition under sub-section (8) of section 8; and

(f)any other matter which is to be, or may be, specified by regulations

•under this Act.

SECTION Section 87

Untitled Section

33.Every rule, regulation and every notification made or issued under this Act

•shall be laid as soon as may be, after it is made or issued, before each House of

•Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days, which may be

•comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions and if, before the

•expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive session s

•aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule, regulation or

•notification or both Houses agree that the rule, regulation or notification should not

•be made or issued, the rule, regulation or notification shall thereafter have effect

•only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that

•any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of

•anything previously done under that rule, regulation or notification.

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

•45

•17

•5

•10

•15

•20

•25

•30

•35

•40

SECTION Section 88

Untitled Section

34.(1) If the Central Government considers it necessary and expedient so to

•do in the public interest for the promotion of specific sport disciplines consistent

•with the spirit of good governance enshrined in the Olympic Charter, it may, in

•consultation with th e Board and the concerned International Sports Body, by

•notification, direct that subject to such conditions and restrictions, if any, and for

•such period as may be specified in the notification, all or any of the provisions of

•this Act or any rule or regu lation made thereunder shall not apply to a National

•Sports Body or its affiliate unit specified therein.

(2)The Central Government may, by notification, and for reasons to be

•recorded in writing, relax the eligibility criteria for the members of the Exec utive

•Committee, if such person is serving in the executive committee or a similar body

•of a corresponding International Sports Body or is in the General Body of the

•International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic Committee.

SECTION Section 89

Untitled Section

35.(1) The Central Government may, from time to time, give such directions

•as it may think fit, to the Board or any other person or entity for the efficient

•administration of this Act.

(2)The Central Government may, by an order, impose reasonable restrictions

•on the participation of any national team of a concerned sport in international sports

•competitions or participation of any individual in the activities of the national sports,

•under extraordinary circumstances and in the interest of national security, public

•order and safety.

SECTION Section 9

Untitled Section

7.Staff of Board.

•CHAPTER IV

•THE GOVERNANCE OF RECOGNISED SPORTS ORGANISATIONS

SECTION Section 90

Untitled Section

36.No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any member

•of the Board or a National Sports Body or the Tribunal or any employee of such

•authorities or any other person or authority for anything which has been done or is

•intended to be done in good faith under this Act or the rules and regulations made

thereunder.

SECTION Section 91

Untitled Section

37.( 1) The National Sports Bodies shall primarily be guided by the

•International Charters and Statutes in the governance of its affairs.

(2)In the event of any co nflict between a provision of this Act and the

•International Charters and Statutes, the Central Government may, after consulting

•the Board and the concerned International Sports Body as may be deemed necessary,

•issue a clarificatory notification in this regard.

SECTION Section 92

Untitled Section

38.(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any provision of this Act, the

•Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such

•provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as may appear to it to be

•necessary, for removing the difficulty:

•Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a

•period of five years from the date of commencement of this Act.

(2)Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after

•it is made, before each House of Parliament.

•Power to exempt

•in special cases.

•Power to issue

•directions and

•impose

•restrictions in

•national interest.

•Protection of

•action taken in

•good faith.

•Conflicts with

•International

•Charters and

Statutes.

•Power to remove

difficulties.

•18

•STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

•The development of sports and related activities is a matter of national priority.

•It not only promotes active lifestyle, fitness among the children and youth but also

•social inclusiveness and cohesiveness, employment opportunities, peace and overall

•development, besides inculcating a sense of identity and pride.

SECTION Section 93

Untitled Section

2.The National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 established good

•governance practices for sports bodies, essential for healthy development of sports

•in the country. It provided framework for recognition of sports organisations,

•including Indian Olympic Association, as sports bodies for the regulation of sports

•in India. However, there is a felt need for a comprehensive legislation to improve

•the governance of the sports bodies and achieve better results in sports and reduce

•the disputes and litigation, inter alia , involving sports federations. There is an

•imperative need to c urb factionalism , and administrative interventions which

•adversely affects the organised development of sports and related activities in India

•and also for its better presentation before the international sports community.

SECTION Section 94

Untitled Section

3.It is the endeavour of India t o host major international sports events in the

•country and preparation for the same are underway. Also, as a part of the preparatory

•activities for the bidding of Summer Olympic Games 2036, it is imperative that the

•sports governance landscape undergoes a positive transformation to bring better

•outcomes, sporting excellence and aids in improved performance in major

•international competitions.

SECTION Section 95

Untitled Section

4.In light of the above goals, the proposed legislation seeks to provide for the

•development and promotion of spor ts, welfare measures for sportspersons, ethical

•practices based on basic universal principles of good governance, ethics and fair

•play of the Olympic and sports movement, the Olympic Charter, the Paralympic

•Charter, international best practices and established legal standards and to provide

•for the resolution of sports grievances and sports disputes in a unified, equitable and

•effective manner.

SECTION Section 96

Untitled Section

5.The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, inter alia, seeks to provide for

•the following, namely:—

(i)to prov ide for the establishment of the National Sports Governing

•Bodies such as the National Olympic Committee, the National Paralympic

•Committee, the National Sports Federation and the Regional Sports

•Federation, for the respective recognised sports organisations;

•(ii) to establish a National Sports Board which shall be responsible,

•inter alia , for granting Board recognition to the sports organisations as

•National Sports Governing Bodies and registration of their affiliates units;

•(iii) to provide for th e National Sports Election Panel consisting of

•former members of the Election Commission of India or the State Election

•Commission or former Chief Electoral Officers of the States or Deputy

•Election Commissioners, who shall act as electoral officers to ove rsee the

•conduct of free and fair elections to the Executive Committees and the

•Athletes Committee of the National Sports Bodies;

•(iv) to provide for constitution of a National Sports Tribunal consisting

•of a chairperson and two other members, to provide f or the independent,

•speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of sports related disputes;

(v)to make provision for appeal to Supreme Court against any order of

•the Tribunal, unless the International Charters and Statutes provide for appeal

•before the Court of Arbitration for Sport;

•18

•19

•(vi) to restrict the use of National name and insignia for any competition

•without obtaining necessary approval;

•(vii) to empower the Government of India to take necessary measures

•for the promotion and development of sports, in consonance with the

•International Charters and the Statutes, including in public interest; and to

•exempt any Sports body or their affiliate unit s from any of the provisions of

•the Bill or any rule or regulation made thereunder;

•(viii) to empower the Central Government to give such directions as it

•may think fit, to the Board or any other person or entity for the efficient

•administration of the legislation;

•(ix) to provide that the National Sports Bodies shall primarily be guided

•by the International Charters and Statutes in the governance of its affairs.

SECTION Section 97

Untitled Section

6.The notes on clauses explain in detail the various provisions contained in

•the Bill.

SECTION Section 98

Untitled Section

7.The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.

•NEW DELHI; DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA.

•The 14th July, 2025.

•20

•Notes on clauses

SECTION Section 99

Untitled Section

•Clause 1.—This clause provides for the short title and commencement of the Bill.