The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public feedback.

Aims of the bill

• Promote sports development, welfare for athletes, and ethical practices through good governance.
• Establish institutional capacity and prudential standards for the governance of sports federations.
• Establish measures for the resolution of sports grievances and sports disputes in a unified, equitable and effective manner.

Features of the Bill

• Sports Regulatory Board: Central authority to recognize National Sports Federations (NSFs) and ensure governance and ethical compliance.
• Ethical Standards: Mandatory ethical governance with Ethics and Dispute Resolution Commissions, ensuring integrity and transparency.
• Athletes Commissions: Commissions to represent athletes, allowing concern raising and decision-making participation, with government funding.
• Athlete Representation: 10% of voting members in sports bodies must be top athletes elected by the Athletes Commission, including one male and one female on the Executive Committee.
• Safe Sports Policy: Protects athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment, adhering to the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act.
• Anti-Doping Compliance: Enforces strict anti-doping measures and international ethical standards.
• Public Accountability: Sports organizations subject to the Right to Information Act for transparency.
• Gender Representation: At least 30% of governing body members must be female