Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to table the landmark National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in India’s approach to sports administration. The proposed legislation aims to introduce sweeping reforms focused on athlete welfare, legal clarity, and transparency—ushering in an era of accountability across Indian sports.

A significant highlight of the bill is its plan to bring all national sports federations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. This move, long resisted and politically sensitive, signals a turning point. Previous attempts, notably by former sports minister Ajay Maken during the UPA era, were met with internal resistance and failed to gain traction.

This time, however, the momentum appears irreversible. Although the BCCI does not receive government funding, its classification as a national sports federation—especially with cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—necessitates compliance.

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“It wasn’t easy to bring the BCCI on board,” a source close to the drafting process revealed. “But continuous dialogue between lawmakers and the BCCI’s leadership helped secure alignment. The intent is clear: ensure transparency and accountability across all sporting bodies.”

Once passed, the bill will require all recognised federations to comply with RTI norms, making decision-making, finances, and governance structures open to public scrutiny.

Historic Reboot for BCCI!
The National Sports Governance Bill brings cricket’s powerhouse under RTI, mandates yearly recognition, and sets age/tenure caps. The era of unchecked autonomy is ending. #CricketReform #Transparency pic.twitter.com/BBLHCGOMNY

— Rahul Bansal (@raahulbansal) July 23, 2025

Beyond transparency, the bill proposes structural reforms to tackle long-standing issues such as opaque elections, lack of gender equality, and inadequate athlete representation. With over 350 court cases pending across various federations and repeated judicial nudges for comprehensive reform, the bill could finally deliver the regulatory clarity India’s sports ecosystem desperately needs.

The push for reform has been in motion since 2011, but was repeatedly stalled due to political shifts, legal roadblocks, and unresolved disputes surrounding the 2017 draft. With renewed political will and judicial support—like the Delhi High Court’s endorsement of the 2011 Sports Code—momentum has returned.

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Crucially, the bill also emphasises athlete protection, women’s safety, and the inclusion of minors, while promoting a professional, ethical, and globally aligned sporting culture. Officials believe it could spark not just systemic change, but also employment opportunities and greater stakeholder participation—putting athletes at the heart of India’s sporting future.