India's 2025-2026 Sports Governance and Policy Overhaul: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

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GS-2GS-35 events · 2025-07-25 → 2026-01-09

Can the world's richest cricket board remain a private club while using the 'India' name? Between July and August 2025, the BCCI's status under RTI flipped from 'included' to 'exempted,' even as a new law mandated a 25% quota for former athletes in sports executive roles.

Overview

This arc tracks a transformative six-month period in Indian sports governance. It began with the introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill in July 2025, aimed at bringing transparency and athlete-centricity to sports bodies. While the final Act (notified in August 2025 and partially effective by January 2026) notably exempted the BCCI from RTI unless it takes direct government funds, it established a robust framework for National Sports Federations (NSFs). This legislative push was complemented by the Draft National Sports Policy 2025, aiming for top-10 global status by 2036, and an internship scheme for 452 professionals to professionalize the sector. The arc represents India's transition from an ad-hoc 'Code' based system to a statutory governance regime.

How This Story Evolved

Bill Introduced (Item 5) → Bill Passed with amendments (Item 2) → Draft Policy Released (Item 4) → Internship Scheme launched aligning with Policy (Item 15) → Act comes into effect (Item 3)

  1. 2025-07-25: National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 Introduced
    More details

    UPSC Angle: National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 introduced; regulation of sports bodies.

    Key Facts:

    • National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha.
    • All recognized sports bodies, including the BCCI, will be subject to the Right to Information Act.
    • At least 10% of voting members in NSFs need to be sportspersons of outstanding merit.
    • Mandates that at least 25% of federation executives be former athletes.
    • Introduces safeguards against harassment and abuse, especially for women and minors, in line with the POSH Act, 2013.
  2. 2025-08-13: National Sports Governance Bill and BCCI's RTI Exemption
    More details

    UPSC Angle: National Sports Governance Bill passed; BCCI's RTI exemption.

    Key Facts:

    • Creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) to regulate and recognize sports federations
    • Establishment of a National Sports Tribunal to resolve disputes
    • Mandatory compliance with international charters and ethical standards
    • Bill: National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
    • BCCI is kept outside the scope of the RTI Act unless it receives direct financial assistance from the government
    • The bill seeks to recognize and regulate national sports bodies, aligning them with Olympic and Paralympic Charters
  3. 2025-12-06: Draft National Sports Policy 2025
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Draft National Sports Policy 2025 aims for top-10 sporting nation by 2036.

    Key Facts:

    • Aim: Top-10 sporting nation by 2036, global leader by 2047
    • Pillars: Sports for all, excellence, infrastructure, anti-doping, governance
    • Top-10 sporting nation by 2036
    • Global leader by 2047
  4. 2025-12-24: Comprehensive Internship Policy for Sports Professionals
    More details

    UPSC Angle: MYAS launched a Comprehensive Internship Policy for sports professionals.

    Key Facts:

    • Comprehensive Internship Policy launched by MYAS
    • Aims to provide hands-on experience to sports professionals
    • Aligns with National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025
    • 452 internships offered annually
  5. 2026-01-09: National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) partially in effect
    More details

    UPSC Angle: National Sports Governance Act partially in effect.

    Key Facts:

    • National Sports Governance Act partially came into effect from January 1, 2026.
    • The Act was notified in the Official Gazette on August 18, 2025.
    • Establishes the governance framework of National Sports Bodies.
    • Includes the National Olympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations (NSFs), and Regional Sports Federations.

Genesis

Trigger

Introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on July 25, 2025.

Why Now

The shift was driven by the need to professionalize sports administration ahead of India's 2036 Olympic bid and to replace the non-statutory National Sports Development Code of 2011 with a binding Act.

Historical Context

For decades, sports governance in India operated under the 2011 Sports Code, leading to frequent legal battles over tenure and age limits. The inclusion/exclusion of the BCCI from the RTI Act has been a decade-long legal and policy debate (Lodha Committee era).

Key Turning Points

  1. [2025-08-13] Rajya Sabha passes the Bill with the 'BCCI RTI Exemption' clause.

    It solidified the legal distinction between 'government-funded' federations and 'self-funded' bodies like the BCCI regarding transparency laws.

    Before: The July 25 draft suggested all recognized bodies (including BCCI) would be under RTI. After: Only those with direct financial assistance are covered.

  2. [2026-01-01] Partial enforcement of the National Sports Governance Act.

    This transitioned the governance of Indian sports from executive guidelines (2011 Code) to a statutory legislative framework.

    Before: Governance was based on government circulars. After: Bodies like the NOC and NSFs are governed by an Act of Parliament.

Key Actors and Institutions

NameRoleRelevance
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS)Nodal MinistryIntroduced the 2025 Bill, launched the Comprehensive Internship Policy, and released the Draft National Sports Policy.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)National Sports BodyThe primary beneficiary of a specific amendment in August 2025 that kept it outside RTI scope unless receiving direct financial assistance.
Sports Authority of India (SAI)Autonomous Body under MYASDesignated as a key host for the 452 annual internships under the new 2025 policy.

Key Institutions

  • National Sports Board (NSB)
  • National Sports Tribunal
  • National Olympic Committee (NOC)
  • National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
  • National Sports Federations (NSFs)

Key Concepts

Public Authority (under RTI)

Entities defined under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act 2005 that are required to disclose information. Typically includes bodies owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the government.

Current Fact: The 2025 Act specifies only sports bodies receiving 'direct financial assistance' are deemed public authorities, exempting the BCCI.

POSH Act Compliance

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which mandates Internal Committees (IC) for grievance redressal.

Current Fact: The National Sports Governance Bill (introduced July 25, 2025) mandates safeguards for women and minors in line with the 2013 POSH Act.

Athlete Representation Quota

A governance mandate ensuring that active or former sportspersons have a say in the decision-making processes of sports bodies.

Current Fact: The Act requires at least 10% of voting members in NSFs to be 'sportspersons of outstanding merit' and 25% of executives to be former athletes.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of January 9, 2026, the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) has partially come into effect (effective from Jan 1, 2026), specifically governing NOC, NPC, and NSFs.

Likely Next

Full enforcement of the Act, establishment of the National Sports Board (NSB) and the National Sports Tribunal to handle pending federation disputes.

Wildcards

Legal challenges to the BCCI’s RTI exemption by transparency activists; potential friction between the new National Sports Board and existing autonomous federations over the 25% athlete quota.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

  • Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
  • Transparency & Accountability
  • Human Resources and Skill Development

Essay Angles

  • The tension between autonomy and accountability in sports administration.
  • India's roadmap to becoming a global sporting superpower by 2047.

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

  • Tested facts about the 44th Chess Olympiad held in India. — Shows UPSC's shift toward testing institutional and organizational aspects of sports in India.
  • Headquarters of the National Sports University. — Highlights importance of memorizing specific statutory sports institutions mentioned in the 2025 Act (like NSB).
  • Supreme Court guidelines in the Vishakha Case (Sexual Harassment). — Directly relates to the Bill’s mandate for POSH Act compliance in all sports federations.

Prelims Angles

  • The specific percentage of athlete representation in NSFs (10% voting, 25% executive).
  • The criteria for a sports body to be considered a 'Public Authority' under the 2025 Act.
  • The target years mentioned in the Draft National Sports Policy (Top-10 by 2036, Leader by 2047).
  • The number of annual internships offered under the new policy (452).

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 seeks to balance institutional autonomy with public accountability. Critically analyze the exemption of certain sports bodies from the RTI Act in this context.

Answer Structure: Intro: Mention the transition from 2011 Code to 2025 Act. Body 1: Positive aspects (25% athlete quota, POSH compliance, Tribunal). Body 2: Issues with RTI exemption (transparency vs self-funding argument). Critical Analysis: Impact on India's global sporting image and the 2036 Olympic bid. Conclusion: Need for uniform transparency standards.

Essay Topic: Sports as a Mirror of National Governance: The Indian Trajectory.

Textbook Connections

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.) > Chapter 63: RTI Act > p. 496

Explains the concept of 'Public Authority' which is the central point of the BCCI RTI controversy in the arc.

Gap: The textbook lacks the specific 2025 legislative refinement that ties RTI coverage directly to 'direct financial assistance' for sports bodies.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145

Sports is Entry 33 in the State List (List II).

Gap: While sports is a State subject, the Act demonstrates the Union's increasing use of residuary powers or 'international treaties/standards' to regulate national-level federations.

Quick Revision

  • National Sports Governance Bill introduced in Lok Sabha: July 25, 2025.
  • National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) Gazette Notification: August 18, 2025.
  • BCCI Exemption: Excluded from RTI unless it receives 'direct financial assistance'.
  • Athlete Quota: 10% voting rights for 'merit' athletes; 25% executive seats for former athletes.
  • Draft National Sports Policy Target: Top-10 sporting nation by 2036; Global leader by 2047.
  • Internship Policy: 452 annual positions across MYAS, SAI, and NADA.
  • Act Commencement: Partially effective from January 1, 2026.

Key Takeaway

India is replacing its 2011 executive Sports Code with a statutory 2025 Act that prioritizes athlete participation and POSH compliance but creates a two-tier transparency system based on government funding.

All Events in This Story (5 items)

  1. 2025-07-25 [Polity & Governance] — National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 Introduced
    The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. The bill mandates that all recognized sports bodies, including the BCCI, will be subject to the Right to Information Act. The bill introduces safeguards against harassment and abuse, especially for women and minors, in line with the POSH Act, 2013.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 introduced; regulation of sports bodies.

    Key Facts:

    • National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha.
    • All recognized sports bodies, including the BCCI, will be subject to the Right to Information Act.
    • At least 10% of voting members in NSFs need to be sportspersons of outstanding merit.
    • Mandates that at least 25% of federation executives be former athletes.
    • Introduces safeguards against harassment and abuse, especially for women and minors, in line with the POSH Act, 2013.
  2. 2025-08-13 [Sports & Awards] — National Sports Governance Bill and BCCI's RTI Exemption
    The Rajya Sabha passed the National Sports Governance Bill, a day after its clearance in the Lok Sabha. The bill grants the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) favored treatment by keeping it outside the scope of national laws like the Right to Information (RTI) Act, specifying that only sports bodies receiving direct financial assistance from the government are deemed “public authorities” under the RTI Act.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: National Sports Governance Bill passed; BCCI's RTI exemption.

    Key Facts:

    • Creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) to regulate and recognize sports federations
    • Establishment of a National Sports Tribunal to resolve disputes
    • Mandatory compliance with international charters and ethical standards
    • Bill: National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
    • BCCI is kept outside the scope of the RTI Act unless it receives direct financial assistance from the government
    • The bill seeks to recognize and regulate national sports bodies, aligning them with Olympic and Paralympic Charters
  3. 2025-12-06 [Sports & Awards] — Draft National Sports Policy 2025
    The Draft National Sports Policy 2025 aims to position India as a top-10 sporting nation by 2036 and a global leader by 2047. The Pillars of this initiative are Sports for all, excellence, infrastructure, anti-doping, governance.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Draft National Sports Policy 2025 aims for top-10 sporting nation by 2036.

    Key Facts:

    • Aim: Top-10 sporting nation by 2036, global leader by 2047
    • Pillars: Sports for all, excellence, infrastructure, anti-doping, governance
    • Top-10 sporting nation by 2036
    • Global leader by 2047
  4. 2025-12-24 [Sports & Awards] — Comprehensive Internship Policy for Sports Professionals
    The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) launched a Comprehensive Internship Policy to provide hands-on experience to aspiring sports professionals, aligning with the National Sports Policy and the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025. The program will offer 452 internships annually across MYAS and its autonomous bodies like the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
    More details

    UPSC Angle: MYAS launched a Comprehensive Internship Policy for sports professionals.

    Key Facts:

    • Comprehensive Internship Policy launched by MYAS
    • Aims to provide hands-on experience to sports professionals
    • Aligns with National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025
    • 452 internships offered annually
  5. 2026-01-09 [Sports & Awards] — National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) partially in effect
    The National Sports Governance Act partially came into effect from January 1, 2026, establishing the governance framework of National Sports Bodies. The provisions relate to the establishment and governance framework of National Sports Bodies, including the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations (NSFs), and Regional Sports Federations.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: National Sports Governance Act partially in effect.

    Key Facts:

    • National Sports Governance Act partially came into effect from January 1, 2026.
    • The Act was notified in the Official Gazette on August 18, 2025.
    • Establishes the governance framework of National Sports Bodies.
    • Includes the National Olympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations (NSFs), and Regional Sports Federations.

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