Athletes, Coaches, and Sports Bodies: New Rules of the Game

In August 2025, India enacted the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 to reform how sports bodies are governed. The law introduces uniform governance standards, independent oversight, and a specialised tribunal, with the aim of making Indian sports more ethical, athlete-centric, and professionally managed.

What is the National Sports Governance Act, 2025?

The Act is a central law that lays down a common framework for the governance, recognition, and regulation of sports bodies in India. Its objective is to ensure transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and athlete welfare, while respecting the autonomy of sports organisations.

Which sports bodies does the Act apply to?

The Act applies to National Sports Bodies, including:

• The National Olympic Committee
• The National Paralympic Committee
• National Sports Federations
• Regional Sports Federations

These bodies have to comply with the Act to retain government recognition and funding.

Why was this law introduced?

Sports federations perform public functions and receive public funds, yet have often been criticised for nepotism, fund misuse, and arbitrary decision-making. The Act was introduced to align Indian sports governance with international standards such as the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, and to provide accessible grievance redressal and stronger athlete protection.

What are the changes affecting athletes under the Act?

The Act strengthens athlete participation and protection. Sports bodies have to constitute Athletes’ Committees and include athletes in executive decision-making . Athletes are also protected through mandatory Safe Sports Policies, aimed at preventing harassment, abuse, and exploitation, especially of women and minors .

If athletes face unfair selection, disciplinary action, or ethical violations, they can approach the National Sports Tribunal.

How does the Act affect coaches and support staff?

Coaches and support personnel are brought within the governance framework through mandatory Codes of Ethics formulated by sports bodies. These codes apply to: 

• administrators, 
• Athletes,
• coaches, and 
• affiliates. 

Coaches also benefit from internal grievance mechanisms and access to the Sports Tribunal for disputes related to contracts, discrimination, or ethical issues.

What is the National Sports Board?

The Act establishes a National Sports Board as an oversight body . The Board has the power to: 

• grant or withdraw recognition, 
• conduct inquiries into mismanagement or welfare concerns, 
• issue ethical guidelines, and 
• enforce Safe Sports Policies. 

It acts as a watchdog to ensure sports bodies function transparently and in the public interest.

What happens if a sports body violates the Act?

If a sports body violates governance norms—such as holding irregular elections, misusing funds, or losing international recognition—the Board can suspend or cancel its recognition. In serious cases, the Board can appoint temporary or ad-hoc administrators to ensure continuity of sporting activities.

Does the Act affect government funding and benefits?

Yes. Access to government grants, use of national insignia, and other privileges are linked to recognition under the Act. Sports bodies receiving public funds are also subject to audits and accountability requirements .