Sports governance, anti-doping Bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid Opposition uproar
Key reforms aim to align Indian sports with Olympic charters and global anti-doping norms
Opposition members protest in the Lok Sabha demanding discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Sansad TV via PTI)
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The government on Wednesday introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, even as Congress-led opposition staged loud protests over the special revision of the electoral roll in Bihar.
The two Bills were tabled by Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
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The National Sports Governance Bill 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.
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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 National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill 2025 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 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.
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