The long-awaited National Sports Governance Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, promising significant changes to how sports are managed in India.
New Bill Aims for Accountability
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently confirmed that the National Sports Governance Bill will be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming Monsoon session, which begins on July 21st. The minister, speaking after an event for the ‘Youth Spiritual Summit’ anti-drugs campaign, stated more details would follow in the coming days.
This proposed legislation aims to bring greater accountability to sports administration across the country. It envisions a new regulatory board that would have considerable power, including granting recognition and deciding funding for National Sports Federations (NSFs).
Ensuring Good Governance and Transparency
A core objective of the bill is to ensure that sports bodies adhere to the highest standards of governance, finance, and ethics. This regulatory board would oversee compliance and enforce provisions related to good governance practices within NSFs.
Furthermore, the draft bill suggests establishing dedicated Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions. These additions are designed to boost transparency and fairness in the day-to-day operations and decision-making processes of sports organizations.
However, not everyone is in favor of the new bill. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has voiced its opposition, concerned that the regulatory board could diminish its authority as the primary body overseeing all National Sports Federations.
Pakistani Athletes Welcome for International Events
In other significant news, the Sports Minister also addressed the participation of Pakistani athletes in India. Despite recent tensions and reports of Pakistan potentially barring its hockey teams from traveling, Mandaviya confirmed that Pakistani athletes will not be prevented from entering India for multi-national tournaments.
He reiterated India’s clear stance: there are no issues with playing against Pakistan in international sporting events, whether it’s cricket, hockey, or any other sport. However, he clarified that the government’s position on bilateral engagements remains unchanged, indicating that direct, non-tournament-based competitions between the two nations are a separate matter.
Upcoming Hockey Tournaments
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had reportedly sought clearance from its government for their teams to participate in two major tournaments in India: the Junior World Cup and the Asia Cup.
The Sports Minister affirmed that India would grant visas for these events, placing the decision to send teams squarely with the Pakistani government. He emphasized that all participating teams in these international tournaments would receive identical treatment.
The Asia Cup is set to take place in Rajgir from August 27 to September 7, followed by the Junior World Cup, scheduled from November 28 to December 10.
- The National Sports Governance Bill seeks to enhance accountability and transparency in Indian sports administration.
- A new regulatory board is proposed to oversee funding, recognition, and compliance for National Sports Federations.
- The Indian Olympic Association opposes the bill, fearing a reduction in its authority.
- India will allow Pakistani athletes to participate in multi-national tournaments held in the country.
- Visas will be granted for upcoming hockey tournaments, including the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup.
These developments highlight a significant push towards reforming sports governance and maintaining India’s welcoming stance for international competitions.
