Governance of Sports in India
Sports governance refers to the institutional framework, rules, processes, and mechanisms through which sports organizations are directed, regulated, and controlled in a country. It determines who takes decisions, how they are taken, and how accountability is ensured in sports administration.
In India, sports governance involves a complex interaction between:
- National Sports Federations (NSFs)
- State and district bodies
- Government (Centre and States)
- Athletes, coaches, and private stakeholders
Effective sports governance is essential not just for winning medals, but for fairness, transparency, athlete welfare, and long-term sports development.
Need for Sports Governance in India
1. Administrative Issues
Unclear Roles and Responsibilities
The presence of multiple organizations at national, state, and district levels often results in:
- Overlapping functions
- Duplication of services
- Accountability gaps
This fragmented structure weakens policy implementation and athlete support.
Harassment Charges and Abuse of Power
Recent protests by sportspersons have highlighted sexual harassment allegations against powerful office-bearers, exposing:
- Power asymmetry
- Lack of grievance redressal
- Weak enforcement of safeguards
This undermines trust in sports institutions.
Lack of Professionalism
Indian sports bodies often suffer from → Fiefdoms and factionalism, Nepotism, Irregular or manipulated elections
The dominance of politicians, bureaucrats, and businesspersons reduces autonomy and professional management.
Unethical Practices (Doping)
Unethical practices such as doping distort fair competition.
A notable example is the 2018 Commonwealth Games doping scandal, where Indian weightlifter Sanjita Chanu tested positive for a banned substance. Such incidents damage → Athlete credibility, National reputation, Integrity of sports
Discrimination
Sportspersons face discrimination based on:
- Gender: A study by NGO CRY found that only 5% of girls in India have access to sports facilities
- Region: Funding and opportunities are often skewed towards select regions
This violates principles of equity and inclusion.
2. Financial Issues
Limited Funds for Non-Cricket Sports
Although India’s sports industry is estimated at around $100 billion over the last five years, cricket monopolizes most resources, leaving other sports underfunded.
Limited Central Government Funding
Sports is a State Subject (Entry 33, State List) under the Constitution. Consequently:
- Central funding is limited
- States with weaker finances struggle to develop sports infrastructure
3. Cooperation and Coordination Issues
Weak Governance Structure
Except for a few sports like cricket and hockey, India lacks a clear and functional sports architecture.
For instance, the ban on the All India Football Federation by FIFA due to third-party interference highlighted governance failures.
Multiple Actors
Sports governance involves → State governments, District administrations, Private players, NGOs
This multiplicity complicates ground-level coordination.
Transparency Issues
Large discretionary powers with sports bodies lead to → Opaque decision-making, Corruption, Weak public accountability
Challenges in Sports Governance
Sports as Hobby vs Profession
Sports is often viewed as a hobby, not a career, due to → Academic pressure, Job-seeker mentality, Low probability of success
This discourages early specialization and professional training.
Religious and Cultural Barriers
Certain sports require attire that may conflict with religious or cultural norms, particularly affecting women’s participation.
Cricket-Centric Bias
Cricket dominates public attention, sponsorships, and revenue, marginalizing other sports despite talent availability.
Poor Implementation of PoSH Act, 2013
Despite the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013, nearly 15 out of 30 National Sports Federations lack mandatory Internal Complaints Committees, exposing systemic non-compliance.
High Performance Pressure
Athletes face intense pressure to perform, often without → Psychological support, Career security, Post-retirement planning
Failure can push them into vulnerability.
Resource Deficit
While urban areas have modern stadiums, rural India lacks basic sporting infrastructure, limiting grassroots talent identification.
Steps Taken by the Government
Financial Assistance
The government provides → Direct funding, Indirect support such as tax exemptions
to sports federations.
Infrastructure Support
Sports facilities are made available for hosting national and international events.
National Sports Development Code of India, 2011
This Code lays down minimum governance standards that sports bodies must follow to:
- Retain recognition from the Sports Ministry
- Access government benefits
National Anti-Doping Act, 2022
The Act establishes the National Anti-Doping Agency as a statutory authority to:
- Regulate anti-doping activities
- Ensure compliance with global norms
Draft National Code for Good Governance in Sports, 2017
This draft proposes guidelines on → Transparency, Accountability, Athlete representation, Ethical governance
Way Forward
Comprehensive Sports Legislation
India needs a holistic sports law that:
- Separates governance from management
- Introduces checks and balances
Strict Enforcement of PoSH Act
Implementation of the PoSH Act, 2013 must be ensured in letter and spirit across all sports bodies.
Professionalisation of Sports Administration
There should be → Qualification-based selection, Fixed tenures, Transparent appointment processes → to curb abuse of power.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
Develop educational resources on sports governance and promote collaboration among stakeholders to optimize resource use.
Accountability and Transparency
Introduce → Mandatory public disclosures, Regular audits, Periodic performance report to strengthen public trust.
Bottom-Up Approach
Reforming district and state sports bodies is crucial, as strong grassroots institutions ultimately shape national sports governance.