New Delhi, August 19 (HS): The long-awaited National Sports Governance Bill has officially become law after President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent on August 18, 2025. The landmark legislation is expected to bring sweeping reforms to India’s sports administration landscape.

According to a Gazette notification issued by the Central Government, “The Bill passed by Parliament received the President’s assent on August 18, 2025, and is hereby published for general information as the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.”

The legislation—pending for several years—was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2025, following extensive consultations with various stakeholders over the past year. It was passed in the Lower House on August 11, and subsequently cleared by the Rajya Sabha after a debate that lasted more than two hours the following day.

Key features of the new law include:

-Establishment of a National Sports Tribunal to ensure speedy resolution of disputes in sports governance.

-Formation of a National Sports Election Panel to oversee and regulate the elections of National Sports Federations, which have often been marred by controversy.

-Clear governance and accountability norms for sports bodies across the country.

Experts believe that with this Act, India is taking a decisive step toward greater transparency, professionalism, and fairness in sports governance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar