India: Hockey India welcomes the historical approval of the national sports account, greets a monument in Indian sports board

~ National Sports Governance Bill efforts the way for a new standard of transparency, accountability and ethical management in sport ~

New Delhi, 12 August 2025: Hockey India proudly welcomes the historical passage of the national sports board in parliament, a moment when a new era marks for the administration and the future of sport in India. This historical legislation is the first uniform and extensive legal framework of the country for sports board – a performance that brings decades of calls to flourish reform.

For more than ten years the efforts have been to enter into such a robust law, dating from 2011. Despite different attempts and designs, a bill of this vision and scale had never reached parliament – but only won approval – so far. It is proof of the visionary leadership of honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the determined efforts of Union Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya that this vital reform has finally become a reality. Their dedication to Indian sport has cleared the way for the most important overhaul of sports management that our nation has ever seen.

The National Sports Governance Bill paves the way for a new standard of transparency, accountability and ethical management in sport. The legislation sets clear expectations for national sports federations and the Indian Olympic Association, which guarantees mechanisms for fair elections, financial openness and inclusive representation.

It is important that the athlete committees mandatory, a strong voice for players in administrative bodies, and at least thirty percent women’s representation to promote gender equality in sports administration. With robust structures to protect the well-being of athlete-especially for women and minors and strict anti-doping and safe sports regulations, the bill states the needs and rights of athletes in the heart of the Indian sports.

Also the alignment of the bill with the Olympic and Paralympic charters shows the determination of India not only to compete but to lead the global sports card, because the nation focuses on organizing the 2036 Olympic Games and the achieved nation status by 2047.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey called the passage of the account a turning point in Indian sports. “This is a truly historic day. For the first time, the sports world of India is anchored by a clear, athlete -oriented and transparent legal framework. This reform will inspire new trust with athletes and all stakeholders and a board model lit with the worldwide norms. Now is ready to excel in the highest international stage.”

Hockey India Secretary-General Bhola Nath Singh added: “The vision behind this bill is nothing less than transformational. It guarantees that all sports features function with integrity, clarity and fairness, and that athletes finally have formal representation and real protection. All sports organizations in the Rightt to Information.”

Hockey India once again congratulates the Indian government, the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Minister of Sports Sports Shri Mansukh Mandaviya with this bold movement that will echo for generations. The organization promises its complete cooperation in the implementation of the new reforms and continues to commit itself to building a sporting environment where every Indian athlete can thrive and make the country proud.