The Indian government has rolled out transformative regulations reshaping the landscape of sports governance nationwide. Targeting longstanding issues like opaque elections and unchecked power, the policy promises cleaner, more democratic sports bodies.
Central to the reforms is a cap on leadership tenures—no individual can hold an elected position in a national sports federation for more than 12 years in a lifetime. This breaks the stranglehold of veteran administrators who have dominated for generations.
Election processes get a complete makeover: universal suffrage where each recognized member gets one vote, eliminating the clout of a few powerful delegates. Cooling-off periods prevent immediate re-elections, fostering fresh leadership.
Financial transparency becomes non-negotiable. Federations must publish annual audited financial statements online and submit them to the Sports Ministry. Any unexplained expenditures or conflicts of interest will trigger investigations.
Government oversight strengthens with the formation of a National Sports Ethics Commission. It can recommend de-recognition of federations flouting rules, a powerful deterrent against malpractices.
Athletes gain a stronger voice through mandatory quotas in executive committees. Anti-doping and safeguarding policies are now compulsory, with federations liable for violations.
This overhaul comes amid mounting pressure from international bodies like the IOC, which had flagged governance lapses in several Indian federations. The reforms align India with global best practices seen in nations like the UK and Australia.
While welcomed by reform advocates, critics worry about bureaucratic overreach. Nevertheless, the government insists the rules empower sports rather than control it, setting the stage for a corruption-free future.
