Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs Stakeholders’ Consultation on Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024

New Delhi: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, chaired a key stakeholders’ consultation meeting today in New Delhi to discuss the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024. The consultation, part of a series of ongoing discussions, aimed to gather valuable inputs from diverse stakeholders to shape a robust governance framework for Indian sports.

In his address, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the significance of the Draft Bill, which seeks to promote the development and welfare of sportspersons, ensure ethical governance, and establish effective dispute resolution mechanisms in Indian sports. “The Bill has been drafted with a holistic approach, considering the diverse needs of athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders,” he stated.

The Minister encouraged attendees to share their insights, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the consultation. “You have been called here for your valuable inputs to make this Bill more effective so that athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders can truly benefit,” Dr. Mandaviya said. He acknowledged the pivotal role of coaches in developing sports talent, stating, “The more we empower our coaches, the better they will be able to produce outstanding athletes for the nation.”

Dr. Mandaviya also underscored the importance of channeling India’s abundant youth talent in the right direction through good governance. “There is no shortage of youth, talent, or brainpower in our country. Our aim is to provide them with the right direction in the spirit of good governance,” he remarked.

Athletes and coaches attending the meeting expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the Draft Bill’s discussion. Many praised the government’s initiative to foster athlete-centric governance in Indian sports. Notable sportspersons and coaches, including Arjuna Awardees, Khel Ratna Awardees, Olympians, Paralympians, and Dronacharya Award-winning coaches, participated in the consultation, sharing suggestions to improve the Draft Bill further.

Prominent figures such as Ronjon Sodhi, Neeraj Chopra, Nikhat Zareen, Mansher Singh, Gurbax Singh, Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand, and Bhawani Devi were among the approximately 40 sportspersons and coaches attending in person. Around 120 joined virtually, contributing to a wide-ranging discussion on the future of Indian sports governance.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has made the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 available to the public for comments and suggestions as part of the pre-legislative consultation process. Stakeholders and the general public are invited to submit their feedback via email by October 25, 2024. The Draft Bill can be accessed online at the Ministry’s website.