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Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
NSFs to publish Games selection policy two years in advance: Mandaviya
New Delhi: With a view to encouraging transparency in selection for elite events such as Olympics and Asian Games, all sports federations are mandated to publish their selection policy two years in advance, union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya told Rajya Sabha in a written response on Thursday. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. (PTI) Almost all major National Sports Federations (NSFs) have complied with the directive with Badminton Association of India (BAI), Boxing Federation of India (BFI), and National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) making their selection criteria available on their website. Selection of the boxing team is done on the basis of an evaluation system where pugilists are judged on key parameters such as sparring, weight management, gym performance and running. NRAI relies on two-stage selection trials. The rankings are determined after four selection trials and the rifle, pistol and shotgun shooters are picked and slotted in Group A and B. Only the Group A shooters are considered for senior international events. The system worked well for India at last year's Paris Olympics where shooters ended an eight-year duck, claiming three medals. The same system was recently used to pick teams for Asian Championships and the junior and senior World Cups. Like NRAI, the badminton association too picks its teams from an elite core group that is 'formed in consultation with the department concerned of Sports Authority of India,' as per its website. 'For participation in international tournaments, entries of senior players are sent from the core group as per their BWF Ranking. Apart from above, for a few international tournaments, players are selected from sr ranking tournaments. These selection tournaments are declared in advance and put in website,' it states. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) too is largely in compliance. The squads are chosen on the basis of selection trials, and while it's way too early for WFI to announce the trials for next year's Asian Games, it has put out notifications for all international senior and age-group events on the website. 'We have been quite transparent with our policies. The wrestlers are notified well in advance and the same is uploaded on the website,' a WFI official said. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) picks teams based on athletes meeting entry standards or qualifying via the rankings route. 'All our policies are clearly mentioned on our website. We are among the first NSFs of the country to adopt such a transparent approach. Our directives to athletes are also put out well in advance to ensure there is no confusion,' AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said. Mandaviya's statement also recalled the instructions released in March with respect to the selection for international meets, inclusion in coaching camps and selection of coaches and support staff. An important mandate from the ministry makes it mandatory for NSFs to record selection trials. 'Selection trials must be video recorded or monitored via CCTV. Recordings must be sent to SAI with minutes of the selection committee,' Mandaviya said. It is also mandatory for NSFs to have a Grievance Redressal Mechanism. 'It must be in place and grievances resolved within seven days. Grievance committees must be independent of the selection committee,' he stated.
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sports Bill will bring transparency and reform to federations: Gagan Narang
New Delhi: Olympic medallist-turned-sports administrator Gagan Narang believes the National Sports Governance Bill will usher in much-needed transparency and reforms in the functioning of National Sports Federations (NSFs). Olympic medallist-turned-sports administrator Gagan Narang believes the National Sports Governance Bill will usher in transparency. (Getty Images) 'It's a forward-looking, futuristic bill that can significantly transform the sporting ecosystem in the country. It will help athletes perform better by allowing them to focus with the right mindset,' Narang told HT. A key feature of the Bill is the creation of a National Sports Tribunal, intended to resolve disputes involving federations. Currently, there are multiple sports-related litigations across various courts in India, which has become a major administrative bottleneck. 'The Bill will address all legal issues plaguing federations. Also, if an athlete has a dispute, there will be a resolution committee in place. That means athletes can focus on their sport without the burden of legal battles,' said Narang, the bronze medallist in 10m air rifle at the 2012 London Olympics. After a long decorated career where he won an Olympic medal, a World Championships medal (2010, Munich,) and secured multiple podium finishes at Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, Narang has switched to sports administration. He serves as vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and is also a member of the IOA's Athletes' Commission. In addition, he is part of the Mission Olympic Cell, which approves programmes for the country's top elite athletes. Having taken on multiple roles in sports administration, Narang believes that most issues can be resolved with the right intent and perspective. With his growing experience, he is quickly developing key administrative skills. Narang emphasised that the Bill's transparency measures, including making NSFs accountable under Right to Information (RTI) Act, are a step in the right direction. 'The governance structure will be clearer and more accountable. Most importantly, disputes will no longer derail an athlete's career.' He acknowledged that implementing structural change at the federation level will be challenging, but necessary. 'The key is to establish a governance framework. Once that's in place, we can build around it. Change won't be easy, but it's crucial for the betterment of Indian sport. Implementing these reforms is a step in the right direction.' He welcomed the Bill's provisions for grievance redressal mechanisms and inclusion of athlete and women representatives in the executive councils of federations. 'Athlete representation on executive boards will ensure athlete-centric programs. Women's participation is vital too — not just athletes, but also women coaches and administrators. The grievance redressal mechanism will finally have a structured form.' 'The government is respecting the autonomy of federations while ensuring ethics, fairness, and accountability. It strikes the right balance between freedom and responsibility. Our sports minister (Mansukh Mandaviya) spent long hours with top federation officials to discuss India's sporting vision and it reflects the government's serious intent and commitment to long-term development in sports,' he added. Narang said the Bill could play a foundational role as India prepares its bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. 'This is our moment. The Bill provides a platform to build the kind of governance infrastructure needed to support our athletes and help them perform at their best on the world stage.' On the recent resolution of internal differences within the IOA, Narang expressed optimism. 'It's a very good restart. Whether it was the Asian Games, the successful conduct of two National Games, or preparation for the Paris Olympics — the IOA always presented a united front. There were never any differences when it came to sports and athlete development. Whatever minor differences existed have now been resolved.' 'A little difference of opinion is healthy in any democratic setup. Now it's time to move forward and focus on the work ahead of us.' As a member of IOA Athletes Commission, Narang is gearing up to launch various educational programmes for athletes.
Hans India
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Mandaviya introduces Sports Governance Bill for greater transparency
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in Lok Sabha that proposes to institute a Board which will have sweeping powers to lay down rules and oversee the functioning of federations, including the cash-rich BCCI. Mandaviya introduced the bill that has provisions for a National Sports Board (NSB) to create a stringent system of accountability. All National Sports Federations (NSFs) will have to attain NSB's recognition for access to central government funding. Another striking feature is the proposal for a National Sports Tribunal, which will have the powers of a civil court and decide disputes ranging from selection to election involving federations and athletes. Once instituted, Tribunal's decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court. The bill makes some concessions on the issue of age cap for administrators by allowing those in the bracket of 70 to 75 to contest elections if the concerned international bodies' statutes and byelaws allow for it. It is a departure from the national sports code that capped the age limit at 70. '...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,' read the bill's statement of objectives. All recognised national sports bodies would also come under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, something that the BCCI has vehemently opposed since it is not dependent on government funding. 'Now we have to study the bill and we will have to see if we need to place it before the Committee (Apex Council). We can only comment after that,' BCCI vice President and Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Shukla said outside the Parliament. 'Obviously BCCI members will study the bill and its clauses and if put forth to any committee, they will study and then we will see what needs to be done. We will also have discussions with the government,' he added. The ministry has insisted that the BCCI, which is now a part of the Olympic movement following cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angles Games roster, will have to comply with the provisions of the bill once it becomes an act. 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 Board's constituents will also be expected to possess 'special knowledge or practical experience in the field of public administration, sports governance, sports law and other related fields.'
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Game changer? Governance bill puts BCCI under RTI, caps power in sports bodies
New Delhi: The govt introduced the 'National Sports Governance Bill 2025' in Parliament on Wednesday, marking a significant overhaul of the regulatory framework for sports bodies in India. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 30-page legislation, a copy of which is with TOI, outlines several key provisions aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within national sports federations (NSFs). A pivotal clause in the bill states that 'recognised sports bodies designated as public authority will come under RTI Act'. This amendment resolves a long-standing ambiguity, placing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) within the purview of the Right to Information Act after years of resistance. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Previously, the BCCI did not classify itself as a public body or NSF, thereby opposing govt attempts to oversee its operations. With the new bill, the BCCI will operate as an NSF, subjecting its financial records to public scrutiny. The BCCI has adopted a 'wait and watch' policy, with its officials looking to study the bill first to understand its impact on the board's functioning before commenting on the matter. The board is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. Status of BCCI as public authority under the An official note on the ministry of youth affairs and sports (MYAS) website informs about the BCCI's reluctance to come under RTI purview. 'The MYAS, vide its order dated 21st April, 2010 declared recognised NSF as 'Public Authority' under the RTI Act, 2005. As BCCI has never approached the MYAS for recognition as NSF, the ministry has not recognised BCCI as NSF. However, the Chief Information Commission (CIC) vide its order dated 01.10.2018 (Annexure-I) held the BCCI as the public authority under RTI Act, 2005 and directed the president, secretary and committee of administrators (CoA) to designate deserving officers as Central Public Information Officers, Central Assistant Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities and put in place a system of online and offline mechanisms to receive the applications for information under RTI Act. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now MYAS was directed to take necessary steps to ensure implementation of this order. However, BCCI filed a writ petition in the High Court of Judicature at Madras challenging CIC's Order dated 01.10.2018. The High Court vide its order dated 09.11.2018 and 10.12.2018 (Annexure-II & III) had granted stay on CIC's order dated 01.10.2018. The stay order is still in operation.' Poll Should the BCCI be classified as a public authority under the RTI Act? Yes, it should be transparent No, it should remain independent Impose restrictions on national team's participation The bill also grants the govt overriding powers to impose international restrictions on the participation of national teams when deemed necessary for national interest. This provision ensures that the govt can intervene in international sports affairs to protect the country's sporting reputation and interests. Cap on EC members Furthermore, the bill introduces a cap on the composition of Executive Committees (EC) for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and other NSFs. Each committee will be restricted to a maximum of 15 members, with a mandatory inclusion of at least four women. This measure aims to promote gender diversity and prevent executive bodies from becoming disproportionately dominated by a single group. National Sports Election Panel The bill calls for the formation of a pool of qualified election officials for transparent elections in sports federations. It will end inflated payments and biased appointments and fees standardised by NSB. In cases of suspension, derecognition, or governance failure, the NSB may direct the NOC to constitute an ad-hoc administrative body.
New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Sports governance bill: Sweeping powers to National Sports Board; focus on BCCI and more
Executive board and limit There is a limit to the number of members in the executive committee as well. The Bill says, 'an Executive Committee shall consist of not more than fifteen members.' The National Sports Development Code and multiple sports ministry directives had also limited the EC (12) but no NSFs followed them in toto. The Bill also speaks about 'at least two shall be sportspersons of outstanding merit (in the EC); two shall be from the Athletes Committee to be elected from amongst themselves… Provided that at least four members shall be women (in the EC).' Even the sports code and various Delhi High Court orders had spoken about athletes' representation for the last 35 years or more but most NSFs did not follow the directives. Hopefully, this time they will. The Bill is silent on districts' sports administration this time. In the draft Bill in 2024, it had spoken about district sports associations. Interestingly, as highlighted by this newspaper, sports is a state subject and infringing on districts could be tricky. It also needs be seen how much jurisdiction National Sports Board would have in states. Earlier, the draft bill had spoken about how long each of the sports bodies would get to implement the provisions of the bill (one year at least) after it becomes an act, but the one tabled in the Parliament doesn't. It needs to be seen what happens after the Bill is notified in the Gazette of India. As far as recognition of sports bodies are concerned, all sports bodies enjoying government recognition '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.' Restrictive clause The provision that was later included and was not mentioned earlier was the restrictive clause – the same clause the minister had objected during the IOA case in the Supreme Court. However, the Bill says, '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.' Basically, there is exception for sportspersons. One must not forget what happened in the IOA where majority of the members are sportspersons. If ministry wanted to stop paradropping, they should have made it mandatory to serve in the EC to be eligible to contest for the post of president, secretary and treasurer. The last three years have shown that all great sportspersons don't make great administrators. The bill also speaks about the powers of international charters and statutes of the NSFs and that they will also should be consulted by the dispute redressal committee or NSB. Even now, like in the case of the wrestling federation, taekwando and now boxing have been ducking behind IF (international federation) backing and avoiding elections or ministry sanction. The sports board would be the strongest arm of the sports ministry. It will exercise powers that both the ministry and the Sports Authority of India were dispensing. The Board shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions to carry out the provisions of this Act, namely: 'the grant of Board recognition to sports organisations and registration of affiliate units and to suspend or cancel such recognition or registration… to constitute an ad hoc administrative body or to direct the concerned National Sports Body or their affiliate units… to issue guidelines for formulation of the Code of Ethics by the National Sports Bodies.'
