Government Plans to Introduce Sports Bill in Next Budget Session: Mansukh Mandaviya

Reforms in Sports Administration Aimed at Strengthening India’s International Representation
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Wednesday that the government is keen to introduce a Sports Bill in the upcoming budget session of Parliament. The proposed legislation aims to bring structural reforms to India’s sports administration, enhancing the country’s representation and influence in international sporting organizations.

Key Highlights:
•    95% Public Support: Mandaviya emphasized that an overwhelming majority of people are in favour of introducing the Sports Bill, which will address critical issues in sports governance.
•    Reforms in Age Limits: The minister pointed out that certain provisions, such as the 70-year age limit for administrators, need to be revisited to ensure continuity and better representation.

Addressing Challenges:
The minister acknowledged concerns raised by organizations like the National Sports Federation (NSF). While some minor objections from NSF need to be addressed, the government remains committed to pushing the bill forward.
“We do not want any harm to come to Indian sports. The reforms aim to empower Indian sports administrators to play a larger role in international forums,” Mandaviya stated during his interaction with the media.

International Representation:
Citing the example of Randhir Singh, who recently became the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Mandaviya stressed the need for effective policies to enhance India’s presence on global sporting platforms. “It took Singh 50 years of dedication to reach this level. We need policies that will allow administrators to achieve such milestones sooner,” he added.

Proposed Changes:
•    The tenure for NSF officials may be limited to three consecutive four-year terms to encourage fresh leadership.
•    Efforts to align India’s sports administration with international standards will be prioritized.
•    Greater opportunities for sports administrators to participate in international decision-making processes will be created.

Road Ahead:
The government’s proposed Sports Bill is expected to streamline governance and address key administrative challenges, paving the way for Indian sports to thrive both domestically and internationally. If implemented, these reforms could be a major step towards making India a global powerhouse in sports.