The Bill envisages bringing in a comprehensive legislation to improve the governance of the sports bodies and achieve better results in sports and reduce the disputes and litigation, involving sports federations.

Key Features of the Bill

• Establishment of the National Sports Bodies (NSBs) for their respective recognised sports organisations:
  • National Olympic Committee (NOC): Sole governing body for Olympic sports in India.
  • National Paralympic Committee (NPC): Sole governing body for Paralympic sports.
  • Other Bodies: National Sports Federation (NSF) & Regional Sports Federation (RSF)
• National Sports Board: It will have power to grant recognition to any sports organisation as a National Sports Body (See box).
• National Sports Election Panel: It will oversee free and fair elections for Executive and Athletes Committees of NSBs.
• National Sports Tribunal: Consist of a Chairperson (Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court) and two members with expertise in sports, public administration, and law.
  • It will formulate its own procedure, ensuring speedy resolution of sports-related disputes and expenses will be covered by the Consolidated Fund of India.
  • Civil courts have no jurisdiction over matters under the Tribunal’s purview.
• Code of Ethics: Every National Sports Body is required to formulate a Code of Ethics in line with international best practices.
• Safe Sports Policy and Grievance Redressal: Ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups like women and minor athletes.