Mission 2036: Golden days finally for sports in India?

A new sports bill, introduced by the government, will soon reach parliament. This bill, as discussed by insiders within the government, is a major step in revamping the sports culture of India. The sports bill comes shortly after the announcement of a new sports policy. Considering sports as a sign of national progress, the announced schemes would open up new avenues in terms of economy and development. Meanwhile, the bill introduced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya mainly aims to ensure transparency in sports organisations.

The Sports Bill includes several laws such as the formation of a National Sports Board to determine the accreditation of sports organizations that receive funds from the government, the establishment of a National Sports Tribunal, bringing sports organizations including the Board of Control for Cricket in India under the Ministry of Sports and the Right to Information Act, the formation of an Athletes Commission, and giving more importance to players in sports governance. The bill proposes precise criteria for the age and succession of office bearers of sports organisations. Although the autonomy of sports organisations is maintained, sports organisations are required to follow the rules in the bill in matters such as the election of governing bodies, administrative decisions, the welfare of sportspersons, and grievance redressal.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India, the cash cow business that reaps profits in India and operates as an independent organisation registered under the Charitable Act, has also been brought into the fold under the new bill. The Cricket Board's stance that it does not need affiliation for not receiving government funding will no longer hold water. The bill stipulates that all sports organisations must be affiliated with the National Sports Board if they intend to name the team as ‘India’ for international competitions. As cricket is included in the next Olympics, BCCI will have to conform to the Sports Bill if they intends to send the national team to the Olympics.

The formation of the National Sports Board is the subject of much debate. This board will have the power to determine the recognition of national, state and district sports organisations, examine the figures and take action if there are irregularities. There are concerns from many quarters about possible political interventions from the central government in the administration of sports. If the bill becomes a means to regulate sports organisations, it will also create crises in the global sports community. The restrictions that question their sovereignty in forming national sports organisations will invite opposition from international sports organisations such as the International Olympic Committee and FIFA. If the government interferes in national sports organisations in violation of the Olympic Charter, there is a possibility of an international ban.

The goal of the legal system should be to strengthen sports rather than to control sports organisations. While laws are made to control malpractices and corruption in sports, care should be taken not to misuse them politically. There should be laws and regulations aimed at developing sportsmen and sports facilities. There should be an approach that gives more importance to Olympic sports instead of sports that generate high revenue. The new laws should strengthen India's efforts for the 2036 Olympic venue.