National Sports Governance Bill 2025 becomes law after president Droupadi Murmu gives assent

The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 aims to revamp and modernise India’s sports administration.

The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 is now an act after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill on August 18. The bill which aims to revamp India’s sports administration, has now become an act, stated a gazette notification by the government.

The bill aims to bring the biggest reform in Indian sports since independence and promises better governance, transparency, and accountability for the nation’s sporting bodies.

Also Read: Five major talking points from National Sports Governance Bill 2025

The Lok Sabha passed the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 on August 11, along with the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The following day, the Rajya Sabha approved it, leaving only the President’s nod to make it official.

The gazette notification by the governement, stated, “The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 18th of August, 2025, and is hereby published for general information — the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.”

Mandaviya has described the bill as a “force of change” for Indian sports. Despite India being a large country, its performance at the Olympics and international events has not been satisfactory.

Given that, the sports minister added ambitious targets, saying, “In 10 years, we have to reach the top 10 in sports in the world, and the top five by 2047.”

According to the new law, a National Sports Board (NSB) will be established, which acts as the apex regulatory body for Indian sports.

The NSB can recognize, regulate, and oversee National Sports Federations and their affiliates. It has the power to grant or cancel recognition and ensure that federations follow proper governance and financial standards.

The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 Act also establishes a National Sports Tribunal (NST) to resolve disputes in sports administration. Headed by a Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court, the tribunal can handle election controversies, selection disputes, and governance issues

Also Read: Good or Bad? Players, politicians, fans debate on National Sports Governance Bill after Parliament clears it

The NST will have the powers of a civil court, and its decisions can be appealed only to the Supreme Court.

Another major focus of the law is athlete safety and ethics. All federations must adopt a Safe Sport Policy to protect athletes, especially women, minors, and those with disabilities.

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