The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has publicly voiced its concern over India's newly enacted National Sports Governance Act 2025, emphasizing the need to "protect the autonomy of sport." The law, which the Indian government says is designed to reform sports administration and enhance accountability within national federations (NSFs), became official on August 18.
In its first official response, the IOC reminded Indian authorities that the new legislation must comply with the statutes of the Olympic Charter. The Olympic body stated that it has been in discussions with all relevant parties in India regarding the framing of the Act's rules, which the government aims to finalize by the end of the year.
"The IOC is aware that the national sports governance bill in India has recently become an Act. We have noted the developments and have been discussing this with all concerned parties in India," an IOC spokesperson told TOI. "The IOC is always ready to help and work constructively with the relevant govt authorities and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) with a view to ensuring that the autonomy of sport is protected, and that the framing of rules and regulations are compatible with the applicable rules of the Olympic Charter.”
The new Act introduces a number of significant changes to India's sports landscape, including the establishment of a National Sports Board (NSB), a National Sports Tribunal (NST), and a National Sports Election Panel (NSEP). These new bodies are intended to bring greater oversight and regulation to the national federations.
The IOC’s statement underscores a long-standing point of contention between international sporting bodies and national governments. The Olympic Charter strictly mandates that national Olympic committees and their federations operate with full autonomy, free from political interference. The IOC's position signals its close monitoring of the situation and a willingness to intervene to uphold its principles.