Introduction –
Humans have a unique spot for sports; most of us played sports as kids in school or college, and some of us have even made sports our careers. Participating in sports maintains one’s physical and mental fitness, which has its own health benefits. In addition, some people have a strong interest in a particular sport, which inspires them to compete well in it. Then there are those who consider sports to be merely amusement. In a nation like India, kids become interested in sports from a very young age. For example, they can play badminton or cricket without the need for special courts or equipment.
India’s sports market is quite competitive and well-known worldwide. This industry’s revenue adds 3 percent to global trade, and its influence has grown in both the political and social arenas globally. India has been successful in transforming sports from personal leisure to something more, but it also has issues with the sports industries. This could involve organizing major events, managing media and sponsorship, giving athletes access to facilities and permits, and guaranteeing moral sportsmanship throughout the nation. The implementation of appropriate legislation that would protect the interests of the sports businesses and restore equilibrium might address such complicated challenges. In the ensuing years, as the sector saw specific scandals and maladministration.
The National Sports Policy
The mere involvement of Indian athletes in different tournaments and contests was insufficient to create a positive perception of sports in India. To improve the level of sports in the nation, the legislators were compelled to propose a specific policy. In August 1984, both Houses of Parliament enacted a resolution on the National Sports Policy with this idea in mind. It was agreed that after this policy went into effect, the progress would be tracked and evaluated every five years in order to plan any additional actions that could be deemed essential. While the National Sports Policy of 1984 had some positive aspects, it was never put into practice. To reword this policy and address any issues with the earlier bill, The 2001 National Sports Policy was written with three goals in mind. The following are the policy’s guidelines:
Establishing a clear definition of the responsibilities of all the organizations in charge of sports development and promotion was the first goal. In the sports industry, sponsors and players alike view promotion as essential.
The second goal was to identify which sports federations met the requirements for coverage under these rules and to establish the protocols these federations must adhere to in order to receive funding from the government, sponsorship, and other forms of support.
Determining the requirements for eligibility that the government will use to award funds to the Sports Federations was the third stage. In order for the federations to take it seriously, these requirements have to be carefully chosen.
A few organizations have assumed the duty of overseeing and advancing sports in India while adhering to specific regulatory guidelines. The following are these associations:
Numerous organizations that oversee sports legislation
A few organizations have assumed the duty of overseeing and advancing sports in India while adhering to specific regulatory guidelines. The following are these associations:
Indian Sports Law and Welfare Association
A professional non-profit, the Sports Law and Welfare Association of India works at the national level to advance the moral application of sports law in India. Its objective is to comprehend current sports regulations, make improvements to them, and make sure these laws continue to function properly in order to support the sports business.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports establishes the requirements that must be met in order for different National Sports Federations to be recognized and awarded funding to support athletic events. It supervises the bodies that control sports in India, encourages them, and gives them relief when in need. To attain excellence, the Ministry also implements long-term development initiatives.
Appropriate legislation is required.
The Indian sports industry is still not very successful, despite the people’s drive and the government’s unwavering backing. In addition, criticisms about numerous incorrect incidences occurring in the sporting world are plaguing it. There have been reports of incidents including bidding, betting, sports corruption, match pre-fixing, and, worst of all, the sexual harassment of female athletes. It’s true that sports rivalry these days is fierce, and winning a lot of events can be achieved by engaging in unethical and criminal behaviour. It is crucial to remember, nevertheless, that India founded sports groups based on moral principles and the athletes’ inherent ability.
Despite numerous precautions being taken, the athletes still manage to find a way to use performance-enhancing substances. It is risky for the player’s health in addition to being against the law. Additionally, all governmental organizations and institutions who are in charge of overseeing sports must have their accountability and conduct examined. To achieve all of these goals, laws requiring harsh penalties and jail sentences for unethical and unlawful behaviour must be proposed and put into effect. There is no other way to maintain control and resume playing clean sports.
Conclusion
The sports sector in India is strong because it has talent, committed athletes, government backing, funding and grants to meet individual requirements, a predetermined schedule, objectives that must be met, and tactics needed to play well. The most crucial component of all of this is discipline, which can only be attained by abiding by the laws and regulations created expressly for the sports industry. The reason the sports industry is still standing strong today is because of the rules that have established such a solid foundation.
Author : Divyang Gupta, in case of any queries please contact/write back to us via email to chhavi@khuranaandkhurana.com or at IIPRD
REFERENCES –
- “Sports law in India: An overview”
Author: Dr. Vikrant Pachnanda
- “Sports law in India: an analytical study”
Author: Dr. D.R. Dodiya
- “Legal dimensions of sports in India”
Author: Dr. Y.P. Anand
- iPleaders
- Legal Services in India.
