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India Today
23-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Explainer: How the National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports
The National Sports Governance Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and although it is still some time before it becomes an Act, the introduction itself is a landmark move to revamp and standardise India's sports takes a look at its salient features that promise to overhaul several aspects of sports governance and the grievance redressal system for athletes and administrators alike in the and tenure cap: The bill fixes the tenure limit at three consecutive terms adding up to 12 years for the posts of President, Secretary General and Treasurer in sports bodies. The age cap has been kept at 70, extending up to 75 at the time of nomination if permitted by the international charter and statutes of the concerned Executive Committee strength of a sports body has been capped at 15 to ensure that the financial burden on the federation is not high. The EC would be mandated to have at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit and four women in the provision is in line with the international push to ensure gender parity in sports governance and make athletes a prominent stakeholder in the decision-making Sports Board:The most talked about feature of the bill is the National Sports Board (NSB), that will have overriding powers to grant or suspend recognition of all National Sports Federations (NSFs) and even "collaborate" with the international federations for athlete NSB will comprise a chairperson, and its members will be appointed by the central government from "amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing."The appointments would be done based on the recommendations of a search-cum-selection committee, which would have the Cabinet Secretary or Secretary Sports as other members of this panel will be the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two sports administrators who have each served as the President or Secretary General or Treasurer of a National Sports Body and one eminent sportsperson who is a Dronacharya, or Khel Ratna or Arjuna Board has been empowered to de-recognise a national body that fails to hold elections for its Executive Committee or has committed "gross irregularities in the election procedures."In addition, failure to publish annual audited accounts or "misused, misapplied or misappropriated public funds" would also invite suspension from the NSB but it would be required to consult the concerned global body before a recognised sports organisation will be eligible to receive grants or any other financial assistance from the central Sports Tribunal:According to the Sports Ministry, over 350 cases are currently in progress in various courts of the country over issues ranging from selection to election, significantly hampering the progress of athletes and NSFs. The setting up of a National Sports Tribunal promises to end that for good as it would have "all the powers of a civil court."It will comprise a chairperson and two other members. The head of the Tribunal would be a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a High appointments to this would also be in the hands of the central government based on recommendations of a committee that will be headed by Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge recommended by the CJI and comprise the Sports Secretary and Secretary in the Ministry of Law and central government will have the power to remove its members in case of violations, including financial irregularities and actions prejudicial to "public interest".The orders of this Tribunal would only be challengeable in the Supreme Court, which will ensure that no lower court would be involved in deciding disputes related to sports, making "jurisprudence stable and faster".advertisementThe appeal will also have to filed within 30 days of the tribunal's decision but the Supreme Court will have the authority to decide if a filing can be done on the expiry of the Sports Election Panel:This too shall be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of the on the National Sports Board. The panel will be made up of retired members of the Election Commission of India or the State Election Commission or retired Chief Electoral Officers of the States or Deputy Election Commissioners, with "adequate experience".The panel will act as "electoral officers" to oversee the conduct of free and fairelections to the Executive Committees and the Athletes Committee of the sports Board shall maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel, in such manner as may be recognised sports organisations will be covered under the Right to Information Act, 2005 "with respect to the exercise of its functions, duties and powers."This is likely to be the bone of contention between the ministry and the BCCI, which will have to register itself as an NSF with the NSB after cricket became an Olympic sport, set for debut in the 2028 Games in the T20 cricket board has vehemently opposed this aspect as it is not reliant on government funds for its functioning. It is highly unlikely that BCCI will discretionary powers:Any sports organisation wanting to use the word "India" or "Indian" or "National" or any national insignia or symbols will have to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the central central government, if it considers "necessary and expedient in the public interest, will have also have the power to "relax" any of the provisions mentioned in the addition, the government can also give such directions to the National Sports Board or any other person or entity for the "efficient administration" of the provisions of this government will also be authorised to "impose reasonable restrictions on the participation of any national team of a concerned sport" under extraordinary circumstances and in the national interest.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BCCI under RTI, new super-authority & more: How National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports
The Indian government has introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to completely revamp the country's sports administration system. Although it is not yet a law, the bill marks a big step towards better structure, accountability, and fairness in Indian sports. Here are the main highlights of the bill: Age and Tenure Limits Top officials such as the President, Secretary General, and Treasurer in sports bodies will now be allowed to serve for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms, or 12 years total. Age limit is set at 70, but can be extended to 75 if required by international rules. The Executive Committee of any sports body cannot have more than 15 members, and must include: At least 2 sportspersons of merit At least 4 women members This move aims to reduce costs and encourage gender equality and athlete involvement in sports governance. National Sports Board (NSB) One of the most powerful additions in the bill is the creation of a National Sports Board (NSB). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo The NSB will have the authority to: Grant or cancel recognition of any National Sports Federation (NSF) Work with international sports bodies to protect athlete interests The NSB will be led by a Chairperson appointed by the central government. Members will be chosen by a selection committee that includes: The Cabinet Secretary or Secretary (Sports) The SAI Director General Two experienced sports administrators One award-winning sportsperson (Khel Ratna, Arjuna, or Dronacharya awardee) The NSB can de-recognise federations if they: Fail to conduct elections Show major irregularities Misuse public funds Only recognised organisations can receive government funding. Live Events National Sports Tribunal To handle the large number of legal cases (over 350 ongoing), a National Sports Tribunal will be set up. This body will have the powers of a civil court It will include: A Chairperson, who must be a Supreme Court judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court Two other members Appointments will be made by the central government, based on a committee headed by the Chief Justice of India (or nominee). Appeals can only be made to the Supreme Court, ensuring faster decisions Appeals must be filed within 30 days, unless the SC allows more time National Sports Election Panel This panel will: Be appointed by the government on NSB's advice Include retired election officials from state or national level Ensure free and fair elections in sports bodies A roster of eligible panel members will be maintained. Right to Information (RTI) Act All recognised sports bodies will now come under the RTI Act, 2005 They must be transparent about their functions, duties, and powers This clause is likely to trigger a dispute with the BCCI, which may now have to register under the NSB, especially since cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympics. The BCCI has long resisted RTI, citing its financial independence. Government's Discretionary Powers The government will have final say in several key matters, including: Use of national words/symbols (like 'India' or 'National'), needs prior approval Power to relax rules under special conditions Authority to direct the NSB or other entities for proper administration Ability to restrict national team participation in the national interest If passed into law, the National Sports Governance Bill will significantly change how Indian sports bodies are run. With clearer rules, age and term caps, financial accountability, and greater athlete involvement, the bill aims to create a more transparent and efficient sports system. For now, the bill has been introduced. A full debate and approval process will follow in Parliament. Inputs from PTI
News18
23-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Explainer: How the National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports
Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) The National Sports Governance Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and although it is still some time before it becomes an Act, the introduction itself is a landmark move to revamp and standardise India's sports administration. PTI takes a look at its salient features that promise to overhaul several aspects of sports governance and the grievance redressal system for athletes and administrators alike in the country. Age and tenure cap: ============= The bill fixes the tenure limit at three consecutive terms adding up to 12 years for the posts of President, Secretary General and Treasurer in sports bodies. The age cap has been kept at 70, extending up to 75 at the time of nomination if permitted by the international charter and statutes of the concerned sport. The Executive Committee strength of a sports body has been capped at 15 to ensure that the financial burden on the federation is not high. The EC would be mandated to have at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit and four women in the ranks. The provision is in line with the international push to ensure gender parity in sports governance and make athletes a prominent stakeholder in the decision-making process. National Sports Board: =============== The most talked about feature of the bill is the National Sports Board (NSB), that will have overriding powers to grant or suspend recognition of all National Sports Federations (NSFs) and even 'collaborate" with the international federations for athlete welfare. The NSB will comprise a chairperson, and its members will be appointed by the central government from 'amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing." The appointments would be done based on the recommendations of a search- cum-selection committee, which would have the Cabinet Secretary or Secretary Sports as chairperson. The other members of this panel will be the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two sports administrators who have each served as the President or Secretary General or Treasurer of a National Sports Body and one eminent sportsperson who is a Dronacharya, or Khel Ratna or Arjuna awardee. The Board has been empowered to de-recognise a national body that fails to hold elections for its Executive Committee or has committed 'gross irregularities in the election procedures." In addition, failure to publish annual audited accounts or 'misused, misapplied or misappropriated public funds" would also invite suspension from the NSB but it would be required to consult the concerned global body before proceeding. Only a recognised sports organisation will be eligible to receive grants or any other financial assistance from the central government. National Sports Tribunal: ================ According to the Sports Ministry, over 350 cases are currently in progress in various courts of the country over issues ranging from selection to election, significantly hampering the progress of athletes and NSFs. The setting up of a National Sports Tribunal promises to end that for good as it would have 'all the powers of a civil court." It will comprise a chairperson and two other members. The head of the Tribunal would be a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court. The appointments to this would also be in the hands of the central government based on recommendations of a committee that will be headed by Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge recommended by the CJI and comprise the Sports Secretary and Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice. The central government will have the power to remove its members in case of violations, including financial irregularities and actions prejudicial to 'public interest". The orders of this Tribunal would only be challengeable in the Supreme Court, which will ensure that no lower court would be involved in deciding disputes related to sports, making 'jurisprudence stable and faster". The appeal will also have to filed within 30 days of the tribunal's decision but the Supreme Court will have the authority to decide if a filing can be done on the expiry of the deadline. National Sports Election Panel: ==================== This too shall be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of the on the National Sports Board. The panel will be made up of retired members of the Election Commission of India or the State Election Commission or retired Chief Electoral Officers of the States or Deputy Election Commissioners, with 'adequate experience". The panel will act as 'electoral officers" to oversee the conduct of free and fair elections to the Executive Committees and the Athletes Committee of the sports bodies. The Board shall maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel, in such manner as may be prescribed. RTI: ==== All recognised sports organisations will be covered under the Right to Information Act, 2005 'with respect to the exercise of its functions, duties and powers." This is likely to be the bone of contention between the ministry and the BCCI, which will have to register itself as an NSF with the NSB after cricket became an Olympic sport, set for debut in the 2028 Games in the T20 format. The cricket board has vehemently opposed this aspect as it is not reliant on government funds for its functioning. It is highly unlikely that BCCI will agree. Govt's discretionary powers: ================== Any sports organisation wanting to use the word 'India" or 'Indian" or 'National" or any national insignia or symbols will have to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the central government. The central government, if it considers 'necessary and expedient in the public interest, will have also have the power to 'relax" any of the provisions mentioned in the bill. In addition, the government can also give such directions to the National Sports Board or any other person or entity for the 'efficient administration" of the provisions of this bill. The government will also be authorised to 'impose reasonable restrictions on the participation of any national team of a concerned sport" under extraordinary circumstances and in the national interest. PTI PM KHS PM KHS PM (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 14:45 IST News agency-feeds Explainer: How the National Sports Governance Bill will impact Indian sports Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
From tragedy to triumph: How javelin champion, Sumit Antil found his 'second birthdate'
There are moments when life changes in a heartbeat - when the very act of survival feels like a miracle. For Paralympic Javelin champion, Padma Shri & Khel Ratna awardee, five-time gold medallist, and world-record holder, Sumit Antil , one such moment came in 2015, in the aftermath of a devastating road accident. At just 17, both his dreams of joining the army or representing India in wrestling were suddenly shattered. But, with the guidance and care of his doctors, Sumit didn't just recover physically — he found the strength to dream again. Born in Sonipat, Haryana, Sumit started off as a promising young wrestling talent with aspirations of representing India. But the accident that led to the amputation of his leg seemed to spell the end of everything he'd worked towards. Sumit recalls, 'My life was completely shattered. Both my dreams were lost in an instant'. What followed was a long and painful journey—months of recovery, rehabilitation, and uncertainty. But Sumit wasn't alone. A dedicated team of doctors stood by him, helping him heal not just his body, but his confidence, drive and hope. May 26, 2015—the day he first stood on his feet again, holds deep personal meaning for Sumit. 'It's the day I began chasing a new dream,' he says. 'That's why I call it my #SecondBirthDate'. Sumit Antil's #secondbirthdate story with Sun Pharma | | Hindi This year, Sumit joins Sun Pharma's award-winning #SecondBirthDate initiative, a heartfelt campaign that honours doctors who give people a second chance at life. His association with the initiative isn't just symbolic—it deeply personal. Sumit shares, 'National Doctors' Day is a moment to pause and honour our real-life heroes—doctors who work selflessly to heal and uplift others and I'm proud to be a part of Sun Pharma's #SecondBirthDate initiative. Sumit defended his title at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a record throw of 70.59 m, becoming the first Indian male athlete to win back-to-back Paralympic golds in the same event. He is also set to represent India at the World Para Athletics Championship in Delhi in September 2025 – something that wouldn't have been possible without the doctors that stood by him a decade ago. Through powerful storytelling and real-life journeys like Sumit's, Sun Pharma's #SecondBirthDate has grown into a national movement over the last three year. Since its launch, the campaign has inspired thousands to pause and reflect on the critical role of doctors who helped them through life's toughest chapters. This year along with Sumit, Indian Idol winner, Pawandeep Rajan also shared his personal story of surviving a life-threatening accident, as did Indian cricker, Harmanpreet Kaur. To amplify these voices, Sun Pharma has rolled out a high-impact media campaign across leading national & regional newspapers and digital platforms— including a special collaboration with Humans of Bombay that features the stories of everyday survivors. While emphasising the importance of the campaign, Kirti Ganorkar, CEO – India Business, Sun Pharma, said, '#SecondBirthDate is our tribute to doctors who give people a second chance at life. What began three years ago as a humble initiative to celebrate the life of medical heroes has grown into a national movement, powered by countless personal stories of hope, courage, and gratitude. We are truly honoured to have Sumit Antil join the initiative this year. His resilience and determination to make a meaningful impact reflect the same spirit that drives our doctors — a shared commitment to making a difference in society'. As India marks National Doctors' Day, Sun Pharma invites everyone to celebrate the doctors who've made a difference to their lives. Visit to send a personalised 'Thank You Card' to the doctor who has gave you or someone you love, a second chance at life.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
ET Women's Forum: Her rifle is an ode to her determination
Very few women say 'a rifle is an extension of who I am' and Avani Lekhara is one of them. A girl who picked up the rifle for the first time in 2015 as a teenager after a spinal cord injury in 2012 and went on to win two paralympic gold medals in Tokyo and Paris. In a candid chat at The Economic Times Women's Forum , Lekhara said she felt that connection with the sport when she first started competing. She received her first gold medal in a regional shooting match at Kendriya Vidyalaya. "Only after I started competing with other able-bodied athletes and para-athletes did I feel more connected to it. I felt like, okay, this is something that is really a part of me and that I want to continue," Lekhara said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Handmade Painted 3D Book Mug Designed By A Famous Engineer is Sweeping New York SOLYMALL Shop Now Undo At the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, Lekhara won a gold in women's 10m air rifle and became the first Indian woman athlete to win three paralympic medals. The Paris games were different from Tokyo for the then 23-year-old athlete. "I was the underdog in Tokyo. I came seventh in the qualifiers, and while going into the finals, I thought how could it be worse whether I am seventh or eighth." Only the top eight athletes get to compete in the finals. Live Events But the expectations of not only herself and her family, but the entire nation were on her when she went to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. "There is pressure to maintain your position, and that takes a lot of courage," the champion said with the quiet confidence that comes only after one has achieved mastery in their space. Now she is a 24-year-old law graduate but is insistent that she doesn't want to be glorified for her path despite her injury - "a person is putting in a lot of hard work to compete and win medals, not to have a glorified story", Avani said. She dreamed of being a judge in a wheelchair even before she dreamed of being an athlete, she said. The aspiring judge wants everyone, especially persons with disabilities, to know not only their rights but also how to use their rights. She strives to include disabled persons in sports and society and provide accessibility in public spaces. She appreciates the fact that young girls with disabilities can look up to her before starting a sport and that she can represent them. "It's the impact because when I was a little kid, I didn't have anyone to look up to," she said. Winning the Khel Ratna and Padma Shree awards made her feel visible and connected to other athletes, especially para-athletes. "I feel that connection when people come and say that because of you, we started and didn't want to give up, it makes people feel more visible and more seen", and for Avani, that is the real success. Before wheeling herself down the dais, Avani Lekhara, sitting tall in a wheelchair wearing a purple jumpsuit said, "Every person with disabilities should know how to use their rights and how to implement these rights in their lives to make it better."
