PT Usha reacts to draft national sports governance bill, expresses concern over autonomy of sports bodies

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha has expressed concern over some provisions of the draft national sports governance bill, saying a regulatory authority proposed by it undermines the IOA’s autonomy and national federations, putting the country at risk of international suspension.

In a letter to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Usha also claimed that the Bill does not clarify the role of State Olympic Associations (SOAs), thus undermining the process of decentralization of sports governance.

His biggest concern, however, is the autonomy of the IOA and the National Sports Federations (NSFs) if a Sports Regulatory Council of India, which would oversee their functioning, comes into operation as he proposes the bill.

“While this may strengthen governance and prevent administrative issues such as corruption or mismanagement, it raises concerns about the autonomy of sports bodies, particularly the IOA, NSFs and SOAs,” he said.

“Historically, the autonomy of these organizations has been a key principle in international sports governance, with the IOC particularly strict about the independence of national Olympic committees from government interference,” he added.

Usha was present at a meeting held by Mandaviya with stakeholders on Thursday.

The draft law, which has been open for public comment until Oct. 25, has been supported by a majority of longtime administrators. The bill seeks to relax the age and term limits of the positions.

The sprint caption stated that the regulatory authority has been given broad powers to monitor the functioning of the IOA and NSFs.

The mandate of the authority would be to ensure compliance with good governance and financial practices within NSFs and would have the power to decide on the granting of recognition to these bodies.

“This may lead to conflict between the government and international sports governing bodies, especially the IOC, which has previously suspended many national Olympic committees for excessive government interference,” he reasoned.

Recalling the international suspension India suffered after the 2012 London Olympics due to government interference in the functioning of the IOA, Usha said a similar sanction cannot be ruled out again.

“It is crucial that the government balances regulatory oversight with preserving autonomy in line with international standards, particularly to avoid potential conflicts with the IOC.

“Addressing these issues in the final version of the bill will certainly help ensure its successful implementation and international acceptance,” he said.

Usha is currently in a bitter war with the IOA Executive Council, which has demanded the removal of CEO Raghuram Iyer, her preferred choice for the post.

The EC has threatened to introduce a motion of no confidence against her at an upcoming special general meeting on October 25.

Some of the EC members, including Vice President Gagan Narang and Kalyan Chaubey, have supported the bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament soon.

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