Makan Unveils New Draft Sports Bill

Union Sports Minister Ajay Makan unveiled the new draft Sports Bill in New Delhi on 17^th oct. Talking to reporters, Sports Minister Ajay Makan said that the new draft sports bill allows the national bodies to follow the rules of their international federations if they are in conflict with the World Anti Doping Agency norms. Mr. Makan also said that in case of cricket, BCCI will have to follow the norms prescribed by International Cricket Council, ICC. The new draft sports bill also proposes to form the Appellate Sports Tribunal which will settle the disputes regarding recognition of the National Sports Federations independently. The tribunal is proposed to have members from Indian Olympic Assosiation and retiered judges from Supereme Court. Mr. Makan said that this will remove apprehensions regarding government’s interference to control these bodies. He expressed hope that the new draft sports bill which upholds the age and tenure norms of the previous bill will get the approval of the cabinet this time. The norms clearly say that no person beyond 70 years of age and after three tenures will be able to preside over any sports organization.

Mr. Makan said that the draft sports bill has also done away with the annual recognition of the sports bodies. The ministry has introduced six exclusion clauses in the application of Right to Information Act, 2005 to the sports federations and bodies. The queries related to players’ health and the selection process will not be revealed under the RTI Act as it will harm the interest of the sports persons.