International federations consulted for National Sports Bill: Mandaviya

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday stressed that the National Sports Governance Bill, which will be tabled in Parliament during next week’s monsoon session, has been drafted with inputs from international organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA, in addition to extensive consultations with National Sports Federations, athletes and coaches.

Last October, the National Sports Governance Bill was placed in the public domain for inviting comments/suggestions of the general public and the stakeholders as a part of pre-legislative consultation process.

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Speaking at the inauguration of Khelo Bharat Conclave attended by representatives from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), National Sports Federations (NSFs), the corporate sector, and athletes, Mandaviya reaffirmed his dedication to passing the bill. He mentioned that he had even discussed it with former sports minister and Congress leader Ajay Maken.

“I conducted a series of consultations with National Sports Federations, athletes and coaches. We also engaged with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and various international sports federations. Additionally, we received over 600 public suggestions when the draft was made available online for feedback.”

“To ensure a well-rounded approach, I held a detailed three-hour meeting with sports lawyers to understand their perspective because we want to bring good governance in the sports sector of the country.

“There was a query from FIFA. So, I sent a special officer to the headquarters of FIFA. Go and discuss with him. We had a discussion with him. And after that, a sports bill has been prepared, which I will bring it to the Parliament in the next session,” he added.

The monsoon session of Parliament will commence on July 21.

The bill aims to increase the accountability of the country’s sports administrators by establishing a regulatory board empowered to grant recognition and allocate funding to NSFs based on their adherence to good governance standards. This board will also ensure compliance with the highest governance, financial and ethical standards.

In addition, the Bill proposes the creation of Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to promote transparency in governance. The IOA opposes the bill, arguing that a regulatory board would undermine its role as the central body for all NSFs.

“I spoke to Ajay Maken (senior Congress leader) too. He made a good effort to have this bill passed,” said Mandaviya, referring to Maken’s push for cleaner sports governance during his tenure.

Without naming the federations, Mandaviya urged administrators to put aside their personal interests. Lack of governance, especially timely elections, has affected the functioning of several sports federations, including the Boxing Federation of India, being accused of delaying long-due polls.

“We have to introspect whether it’s enough to just grab the chair. We have to let go of ego. Give the seat to someone better if you see one,” he said while adding, “Reforms is a step by step process.”