Ajay Maken proposes new Sports Bill

After being at the receiving end for its handling of the Commonwealth Games, the sports ministry has decided to act tough with sports federations.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken has proposed a new Sports Bill aimed at bringing in transparency and accountability in all sports federations. The Bill proposes a 23-member advisory council comprising members from the government and sports federations.

The panel will advise the Centre on recognising and de-recognising sports federations as well as on matters of strategy. Sports federations will now have to comply with the directives within a year, which will make elections compulsory every four years. Secondly, no person beyond the age of 70 can hold more than two terms in office. Simultaneously, they cannot hold more than two positions as well.