Sports governance, anti-doping Bills  tabled in LS amid Opposition uproar

The government on Wednesday introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, as well as the National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha amid protests by the Congress-led Opposition against the special intensive revision of electoral roll in Bihar.

Both the Bills were introduced in the Lower House by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Mansukh Mandaviya. The National Sports Governance Bill proposes to institute a board which will have sweeping powers to lay down rules and oversee the functioning of federations, including the likes of cash-rich BCCI.

Changes must for 2036 Olympic bid

It is India's endeavour to host major international sports events in the country... as 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.

 Mansukh Mandaviya, Sports Minister 

“It is the endeavour of India to host major international sports events in the country and preparation for the same are underway. Also, 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...,” said Mandaviya in the Bill’s statement of objectives.

It also proposes aligning Indian sports governance with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, ensuring that the country is better positioned to host major international events, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympics.

The Bill envisions that every national sports federation, including the National Olympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee, will be required to establish Athletes’ Committees. These will give sportspersons a legitimate platform to voice concerns, influence decisions and contribute to policy planning.

The Bill also mandates that two sportspersons of outstanding merit must be part of the Executive Committees of these bodies, ensuring that key decisions include voices from the field.

The anti-doping Amendment Bill aims to incorporate amendments requested by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had objected to what it termed as "government interference" in the operations of India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

Although the National Anti-Doping Act was originally passed in 2022, its enforcement was suspended following objections raised by WADA.

The global watchdog had objected to the creation of a national board for anti-doping in sports, which was granted authority to make recommendations to the government on anti-doping policy. This board — comprising of a chairperson and two members appointed by the central government — was also empowered to supervise NADA and issue directives to it.

WADA had viewed this as an undue governmental influence over an independent body and rejected the provision. Consequently, the amended bill has removed this clause to align with WADA's requirements.

Additional changes are also expected, potentially including reduced liability for athletes in doping violations.