India Passes National Sports Governance Act 2025 to Enhance Accountability and Athlete Support

NEW DELHI - India's parliament has approved the National Sports Governance Act 2025, marking a significant reform aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and athlete-centric practices within the country's sports federations.

The legislation, passed on August 23, 2025, introduces several key measures to modernize sports administration. It establishes specialized game courts for resolving disputes, strengthens mechanisms for athlete representation, and mandates greater transparency in the operations of sports bodies.

According to official statements, the act replaces outdated policies and aligns with the broader National Sports Policy 2025, which was approved by the Union Cabinet earlier in July. The policy emphasizes building synergies between society and sports, while the new act focuses on governance reforms to ensure fair play and efficient management.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlighted the act's potential impact, stating that it "paves the way for game courts, dispute resolution, and stronger representation for athletes." This sentiment was echoed in announcements from government sources, underscoring the law's role in making sports organizations more responsive to athletes' needs.

The reforms come amid growing calls for better governance in Indian sports, particularly in light of recent achievements by Indian athletes in international events such as the Asian Squash Championship and para-archery competitions. Officials noted that the act will facilitate greater engagement with the Indian diaspora, potentially allowing top overseas players of Indian origin to represent national teams in leagues like football.

Key provisions of the act include:

• Establishment of independent dispute resolution bodies to handle conflicts swiftly and fairly.
• Requirements for sports federations to include athlete representatives in decision-making processes.
• Measures to enhance financial transparency and prevent mismanagement.

The legislation is expected to support India's ambitions in global sports, including preparations for events like the 2025 Asian Swimming Championship in Ahmedabad and other international tournaments hosted in the country.

Government representatives have indicated that the act will be implemented in phases, with initial focus on major federations overseeing cricket, football, and athletics. This development is seen as a step toward positioning India as a leading sports nation by 2030.