Sports Minister discusses draft sports bill with stakeholders; emphasis on governance reforms

Governance reforms athlete welfare measures and promotion of transparency in administration came up for deliberation as Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a consultation meeting with stakeholders on the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 here on ThursdayPresent in the meeting were Indian Olympic Association IOA President PT Usha representatives from National Sports Federations NSFs and National Sports Promotion Organisations NSPOsThe Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 Bill is a milestone in our mission to build a robust and transparent sports governance structure in India that aligns with international standards including the Olympic and Paralympic Charter The active involvement of various stakeholders and public is crucial for shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of our sports community Mandaviya saidBy empowering athletecentric federations introducing the Safe Sports Policy and establishing an Appellate Sports Tribunal we are building a robust framework that not only elevates our athletes but also strengthens Indias position on the global sports stageThe consultation saw active participation from representatives of various NSFs NSPOs and IOA who shared their perspectives on the proposed reforms such as relaxation in the age and tenure cap for the administrators athlete welfare measures and transparency in administrationThe discussions also focused on key issues such as safeguarding athletes rights streamlining the functioning of sports bodies and enhancing Indias global sports standing a statement from the sports ministry saidAccording to a source inside the meeting all NSFs appreciated the governments proposal on age and tenure relaxation in the new billAlso ReadI am hurting to see this score of 46 all out Rohit SharmaThe minister said its a proactive and good step from our side to work in close coordination with all for the good of Indian sports the source told PTIAccording to the proposed draft bill the office bearers of NSFs including president secretary general and treasurer can continue in their posts even after crossing the age of 70 if they have not completed their tenuresMandaviya assured the stakeholders that their inputs would be carefully considered in refining the draft bill The ministry statement however did not share the suggestions offered by the various stakeholdersAll India Football Federation Federation AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey lauded the governments effort and said the new Sports Governance Bill 2024 will improve the development of sports in the country from grassroot to the elite levelThe introduction of National Sports Governance Bill 2024 is a historic occasion that will give a new life and directive to Indian sports It also opens a new path of transformation We expect that this bill will definitely enhance the quality of development in all disciplines from the bottom line to top like grassroots to senior he saidIt will improve the quality of infrastructure and training to avoid unnecessary delays in various dispute resolution mechanisms It will also help administration to run smoothly and will have several option to avoid unnecessary time lapses and bring quality time to improve the standard of sports altogether Rugby India president Rahul Bose too agreed with ChaubeyOn behalf of Rugby India we would like to say that the draft of the new National Sports Governance Bill is a welcome step in the right direction he saidIf the final draft is carried out with rigour and integrity then transparency accountability easy pathways for compliance and realistically quick time frames for redressal of grievances will be welcome outcomes for all sporting bodiesWe also appreciate the consultative approach adopted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs amp Sports in calling for consultations on the draft before it is tabled in Parliament he addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever