Published on 16th August 2025
Authored By: Vedha Kulkarni
Marathwada Mitra Mandal's Shankarrao Chavan Law College
Abstract
The rapid expansion of India’s sports industry has led to numerous legal and regulatory complexities. Despite increasing commercialization and international achievements by Indian athletes, the absence of a comprehensive sports law remains a significant gap. This article examines the fragmented legal structure that currently governs the sports sector in India, addressing constitutional provisions, the functioning of regulatory bodies, and the role of the judiciary. It sheds light on pressing issues such as match-fixing, doping and athlete welfare, while also delving into emerging developments like fantasy sports platforms. The article concludes by underlining the pressing need for cohesive national legislation to ensure accountability, safeguard stakeholders’ interests, and promote the long-term growth of Indian sports.
Keywords: Sports law, Sports Industry, Sports Legislation, Sports Authority
Introduction
Much like India’s rich legacy in spices and culture, the nation also boasts a deep-rooted yet often overlooked history in sports, tracing back to the era of the Indus Valley Civilization. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) emphasizes the significance of sport, stating that it is “an essential part of human life” that fosters physical and emotional growth, strengthens social bonds, and encourages healthy living. The IOC defines sport as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill, governed by a set of rules or customs, and undertaken competitively[1]“,a definition that underscores the core elements of discipline, physical ability, structured rules, and competitive spirit.
Historically, sports in India were seen mainly as leisure pursuits that contributed to physical well-being and enjoyment. With globalization and greater global participation, however, sports have evolved into a significant economic industry. According to a 2016 KPMG report, the global sports sector was valued between USD 600 and 700 billion, highlighting its growing commercial importance. Today, the sports industry encompasses a wide range of activities, including the development of infrastructure, event management, equipment manufacturing, athlete training, and the sale of sports merchandise, engaging millions worldwide. [2]Major sporting events are instrumental in enhancing a nation’s soft power, drawing tourists, generating employment, improving public facilities, fostering national solidarity, and boosting collective pride. As sports have transitioned from simple pastimes to a thriving international business, their economic impact has expanded considerably. As a result, the ongoing evolution of the sports industry driven by globalization, industrialization, and commercialization has made the establishment of robust legal frameworks both necessary and inevitable.[3]
Sports Law in India
In contemporary society, sports and law have become two interdependent pillars, each influencing and reinforcing the other. Although they are traditionally viewed as separate domains, sports as a field of physical performance and entertainment, and law as a system of rules and governance, their convergence has become increasingly significant. The progress and professionalization of sports today are closely tied to the evolution of legal frameworks and regulatory mechanisms.
With India witnessing a surge in interest across various sports and the rapid growth of its sports industry, the need for robust legal oversight has become more pressing than ever. Law now plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Indian sports by ensuring fair governance, safeguarding the rights of athletes, maintaining ethical standards, and promoting commercial transparency.
The study of emerging trends in sports and law in India requires a comprehensive exploration of numerous legal dimensions ranging from sports governance, athlete welfare, anti-doping enforcement, and sports betting regulation to the increasing commercialization and monetization of sports through media, sponsorships, and intellectual property rights.
Despite the growing complexity and scale of the industry, one of the most critical challenges facing Indian sports law is the absence of a unified and comprehensive legislative framework. The current regulatory structure is often fragmented, outdated, and inconsistent, leading to ambiguity, poor enforcement, and frequent legal disputes. This legal vacuum has hindered effective governance and accountability within sporting bodies and organizations.
Nevertheless, India has seen encouraging developments in recent years. Institutions like the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have been instrumental in bringing more structure and integrity to the system. These bodies not only help enforce international norms but also support athletes’ development, ensure compliance with global standards, and promote transparency.
Sports law is an emerging interdisciplinary field that draws upon various branches of law, including intellectual property rights, criminal law, civil law, media law, and contract law, among others. While a few Indian states have taken the initiative to introduce legislation related to sports, there is currently no unified or comprehensive national law specifically governing the sports sector.
Despite the absence of centralized legislation, certain common features can be observed in the existing legal frameworks and policies implemented at different levels. These include:
- Enforcing anti-doping measures to uphold the integrity of competition;
- Prohibiting unfair practices and unethical conduct by athletes and sports personnel; c. Preserving the ethical standards of both athletes and the sports they participate in; d. Establishing clear procedures and eligibility criteria for participation in various sports and competitions;
- Combating gender-based and other forms of discrimination to promote inclusivity and fairness; f. Defining the roles and responsibilities of various sports authorities, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
- Resolving the conflict of interest regarding the endorsement of players
- Laws against harassment in sports to prevent abuse and create a safe, respectful sporting environment.[4]
As the sports industry in India continues to evolve, the need for a comprehensive legal framework that consolidates these aspects and provides clear regulatory guidance is becoming increasingly critical.
Regulatory Bodies in Indian Sports
India lacks dedicated sports legislation, so sports governance is managed by various authorities that set policies and oversee both domestic and international sports activities. These bodies are essential in shaping how different sports are structured and administered nationwide. Without a specific statute, sports law in India relies on judicial precedents and fits within existing legal frameworks like contract, competition, tax, and civil law, operating alongside broader substantive laws.
A major constitutional challenge is that sports fall under the State List (Entry 33) in the Seventh Schedule, limiting the Central Government’s power to make national laws and creating hurdles for uniform reforms and regulations. Sports oversight in India is mainly handled by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The IOA, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, regulates Olympic sports, coordinates with federations, and manages India’s participation in global events. SAI focuses on athlete development, infrastructure, competitions, and training, supporting both grassroots and elite athletes. Together, they form the core of sports governance, promoting growth and compliance. Some of the key sports regulatory authorities are listed below.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) is the central body responsible for the development of sports in India. It oversees sports infrastructure, supports athletes and coaches, and works to improve sports performance. MYAS also regulates National Sports Federations by providing funds and setting recognition norms. To promote grassroots sports, it has launched initiatives like the Khelo India Programme and the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons to nurture talent and ensure athlete welfare[5].
Indian Olympic Committee
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) oversees India’s participation in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and other international sporting events. It handles the selection, representation, management, and welfare of athletes competing under the banner of “Team India[6].”
Sports Authority of India
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), established in 1984 as a statutory authority, is tasked with planning and developing sports infrastructure, including training centres, stadiums, and healthcare facilities. It also oversees infrastructure requirements for events like the Asian Games and provides funding for training programs, sports organizations, and tournaments.
National Anti-Doping Agency
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India works closely with both national and international partners to promote clean sport by sharing anti-doping resources and strengthening collective efforts to ensure fair play. It conducts dope testing by collecting athlete samples and actively educates the sporting community on ethical practices and the harmful effects of performance-enhancing drugs.
National Sports Federation
National Sports Federations (NSFs) are registered under either the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Companies Act, and are entrusted with the governance, promotion, regulation, development, and sponsorship of their respective sports, as recognized by the relevant International Federation. NSFs associated with Olympic disciplines are required to operate in accordance with the Olympic Charter.[7]
Similarly, non-Olympic sports like cricket have their own autonomous federations, which are directly affiliated with their respective international governing bodies. These federations must adhere to the charter and rules of the international body they are linked with. For instance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is affiliated with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is bound to function under the framework set by the ICC.
Legislative Instruments Overseeing Sports Governance
India lacks a dedicated statute for sports law, which is not recognized as a distinct legal field but governed through judicial precedents and government policies. Sports is a state subject under the Constitution, with state governments handling local development, while the Central Government exercises authority at national and international levels through Entries 10 and 13 of the Union List. Sports governance also relies on autonomous, not-for-profit bodies like clubs and federations, mostly registered under the Societies Registration Act. A key example is the BCCI, registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, which plays a major role in regulating cricket independently.
Association for Sports Law and Athlete Welfare – India
The Sports Law & Welfare Association of India (SLAWIN) is a national non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the field of sports law in India. Its primary aim is to foster understanding, advancement, and ethical practices in sports law by creating a collaborative platform that brings together legal professionals and sportspersons to support and advance sports development across the country. Aims of the Sports Law and Welfare Association of India (SLAWIN) include promoting education and research in sports law, offering a platform for legal and sports professionals, fostering ethical practices, providing consultancy and resources, encouraging academic study, and addressing legal and ethical issues, including discrimination, in sports[8].
National Sports Policy, 2001
The National Sports Policy, 2001 places high priority on promoting sports in rural areas to tap into existing talent and potential. Village Panchayats, Gaon Sabhas, and rural youth and sports clubs are actively engaged in developing infrastructure and identifying talent through structured competitions, especially in remote and disadvantaged regions, including the North East. Special efforts focus on harnessing region-specific skills, such as swimming in coastal areas and archery in tribal belts. Talented individuals receive focused support and training. Additionally, traditional and indigenous games, which have deep roots across the country, are promoted through rural sports initiatives[9].
Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007
The Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to ensure that important sporting events of national significance are made accessible to the widest possible audience. The Act grants Prasar Bharati the rights to broadcast these events live on a free-to-air basis by mandating the sharing of broadcasting signals, thereby promoting public access and national interest[10].
National Sports Development Code of India 2011
The National Sports Development Code of India (NSDCI), 2011 came into effect on 31st January 2011, consolidating and refining the provisions laid out in the earlier 2001 Code. The 2001 framework, which was later integrated into the 2011 Code, established key principles including:
- Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities among National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Government;
- Classification of sports disciplines to determine the extent of government assistance; c. Comprehensive guidelines for formulating Long-Term Development Plans (LTDPs); d. Introduction of tripartite agreements between NSFs, SAI, and the Department of Sports; and e. Focus on establishing effective athlete grievance redressal mechanisms[11].
However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the National Sports Federations (NSFs) have not yet fully adopted or implemented the core principles outlined in the Sports Code. As is often the case in India, the legality of the Sports Code was contested before the Delhi High Court. Nevertheless, the Court upheld the validity of the Code and ruled that it would be fully applicable to both the NSFs and the IOA.
Dispute Resolution in Sports Law
Commercial sports disputes often involve issues like media rights, contracts, and sponsorships, while disciplinary disputes cover doping, betting, and match-fixing. Traditional court proceedings are slow and problematic for athletes, whose careers are short and who need quick resolutions. Indian judges and lawyers often lack expertise in sports law, making litigation less effective.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as mediation and arbitration, is encouraged to resolve conflicts swiftly and fairly. However, internal dispute mechanisms of National Sports Federations (NSFs) are criticized for bias. The Indian Court of Arbitration for Sports (2011) failed to gain traction, but the Sports Arbitration Centre of India (SACI), set up in 2021, aims to provide fast, transparent, and expert resolution. Internationally, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) handles sports disputes via arbitration and mediation, with its decisions being final and binding if parties agree to its jurisdiction.[12]
Emerging Trends in Sports Law
Match-fixing and betting have long existed in India, especially in cricket. While sports betting is based on the probability of winning or losing and is considered gambling, match-fixing involves manipulating game outcomes through corrupt means, often with players’ involvement. Although no specific law governs match fixing, the issue gained prominence in 2001 when Mohammed Azharuddin was accused and given a life ban by the BCCI. In 2013, the Prevention of Sports Fraud Bill was introduced to curb fraud in sports, uphold ethics, and punish both the act and attempts to commit such offences. However, due to legislative inaction, the bill remains pending even after 12 years.
One of the most emerging trends in the sports industry today is the rise of fantasy leagues. These mobile gaming platforms allow users to create virtual teams across various sports and compete based on real-time player performances. On 8th August, the Supreme Court of India officially recognized fantasy sports as legal, declaring them games of skill rather than gambling. This landmark judgment has paved the way for the rapid growth and acceptance of fantasy leagues in the Indian sports ecosystem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while India has introduced various policies to promote sports development, there is still a pressing need for a unified and comprehensive legislation that consolidates these efforts. The current legal framework addresses key areas such as anti-doping, athlete welfare, and gender neutrality, but lacks a strong dispute resolution mechanism and adequate transparency and accountability in governance.
Persistent challenges like match-fixing, unregulated betting, poor infrastructure, and weak grassroots development continue to hinder progress, worsened by the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. These disruptions exposed systemic gaps and strained existing resources.
To address these issues, the government must enact holistic legislation that not only unifies current policies but also fills the existing voids fostering integrity, fairness, and sustained growth in Indian sports. However, the responsibility extends beyond the government; collective efforts from athletes, federations, private bodies, and citizens are essential. Ultimately, the future of Indian sports depends on today’s actions because we reap what we sow.
References
[1] “IOC – International Olympic Committee | Olympics.Com” <https://www.olympics.com/ioc>. accessed on 4th June 2025
[2] KPMG and others, “The Business of Sports” (2016) <https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/in/pdf/2016/09/the business-of-sports.pdf>.accessed on 4th June 2024
[3] Manupatra, “Articles – Manupatra” <https://articles.manupatra.com/article-details/Sports-Law-India-and-The-World>. accessed on 4th June 2025
[4] S.S. Rana & Co, “Sports Law in India: An Overview – S.S. Rana & Co.” (S.S. Rana & Co., March 16, 2023) <https://ssrana.in/corporate-laws/gaming-and-sports-laws-india/sports-law-faq/>. accessed on 5th June 2025
[5] “About Ministry | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | Government of India” <https://yas.gov.in/about-ministry>. accessed on 6th June 2025
[6] “Indian Olympic Association.” <https://olympic.ind.in/organisation>. accessed on 6th June 2025
[7] Satyam Yadav, “National Sports Federation of India | NSFOI” (National Sports Federation of India, April 21, 2021) <https://nsfoi.com/>. accessed on 6th June 2025
[8] Ritu Paul, “Exploring and Analysing Sports Laws in India,” vol 4 (International Journal of Law Management & Humanities, 2021) 6 <https://www.ijlmh.com/wp-content/uploads/Exploring-and-Analysing-Sports-Laws-in-India.pdf>. accessed on 7th June 2025
[9] Government of India, “NATIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT CODE OF INDIA, 2011” (2021)
[10] Ritu Paul, “Exploring and Analysing Sports Laws in India,” vol 4 (International Journal of Law Management & Humanities, 2021) 6 <https://www.ijlmh.com/wp-content/uploads/Exploring-and-Analysing-Sports-Laws-in-India.pdf>.accessed on 7 June 2025
[11] Manupatra, “Articles – Manupatra” <https://articles.manupatra.com/article-details/Sports-Law-India-and-The World>.accessed on 7th June 2025
[12]Academike, “The Role of Arbitration in Resolving Disputes in Sports Law” (Academike, January 31, 2025) <https://www.lawctopus.com/academike/the-role-of-arbitration-in-sports-law/>. accessed on 12th June 2025