Why Are Gagan Narang and Savita Applauding the National Sports Bill?

New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) Prominent athletes such as Olympic medalist Gagan Narang and experienced hockey player Savita Punia, alongside national sports federations like the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and Hockey India, expressed their support on social media for the groundbreaking approval of the National Sports Governance Bill by Parliament.

This momentous occasion heralds a new chapter in the governance and future of sports in India, paving the way for increased transparency and good governance within the country's sports framework. This significant legislation is the nation's first comprehensive legal structure for sports governance—fulfilling decades of calls for reform.

"Today marks a significant milestone for Indian sports. With the #NationalSportsGovernanceBill and #AntiDoping Amendment Bill passed, we are advancing towards greater transparency, accountability, and athlete-centric governance. These reforms will cultivate a stronger, cleaner sporting environment for India's champions. @PMO @narendramodi Ji, @mansukhmandviya Ji, @khadseraksha Ji," tweeted Gagan Narang.

Veteran hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia also praised the bill's passage, stating, "This is more than just a Bill—it’s a vision for the future of Indian sports #NationalSportsBill2025."

The approval of the National Sports Bill is the result of a ten-year-long effort to establish robust legislation, dating back to 2011. Despite various attempts and drafts, a bill of this significance had never reached Parliament until now. This achievement reflects the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dedicated efforts of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, making this essential reform a reality. Their commitment to Indian sports has initiated the most significant reform of sports governance our country has ever seen.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) and Hockey India were among the first National Sports Federations (NSFs) to commend the bill's passage.

"The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 is a timely and forward-thinking step toward aligning India's sports framework with international best practices. Its emphasis on transparency, athlete welfare, and accountable governance strengthens our domestic sports ecosystem and equips us for future responsibilities, including a potential Olympic Games bid," stated BAI in a post on X.

"At BAI, we view this as an opportunity to collaborate closely with the Government to ensure the Bill’s vision translates into concrete advancements for athletes at all levels and leads to triumphs in badminton," the BAI added.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey called the bill's passage a transformative moment for Indian sports.

"This is indeed a historic day. For the first time, India’s sporting landscape is grounded in a clear, athlete-centered, and transparent legal framework. This reform will foster renewed confidence among athletes and stakeholders, establishing a governance model aligned with global standards. Under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the unwavering vision of Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian sport is now poised to thrive on the global stage," stated Dr. Tirkey.

The Cycling Federation of India also expressed its sincere appreciation to Minister of Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for leading the historic National Sports Governance Bill 2025. This landmark legislation marks the dawn of a new era of transparency, accountability, and athlete-centric governance, aligning India’s sports ecosystem with global best practices.

"This visionary reform, regarded as the most significant since Independence, sets the foundation for sports excellence and aligns with India’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics. We commend Dr. Mandaviya’s steadfast commitment to elevating Indian sports to international prominence," the CFI stated on Tuesday.

The National Sports Governance Bill establishes a new standard for transparency, accountability, and ethical management in sports. The legislation delineates clear expectations for National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association, ensuring mechanisms for fair elections, financial transparency, and inclusive representation.

Notably, it mandates the formation of athlete commissions, providing a strong voice for players in governing bodies, and requires at least thirty percent women’s representation to foster gender equality in sports administration. With robust structures to protect athlete welfare—especially for women and minors—and stringent anti-doping and safe sport regulations, the bill prioritizes the needs and rights of athletes in Indian sports.

Moreover, the Bill’s alignment with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters underscores India’s resolve not only to compete but to lead in the global sports arena, setting its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and achieving developed-nation status by 2047. By enshrining best legal practices, the Bill dispels ambiguity and introduces a cohesive structure where transparent administration, gender equality, and prompt conflict resolution are expected norms.