Global South Sports Law: India's Olympic Push

Legal professionals, sports officials, and industry stakeholders recently gathered for the second International Conference on Sports Law in the Global South at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU). The two-day event, which commenced on a Friday, underscored significant institutional reforms underway in India.

Director of GNLU, S Shanthakumar, noted that the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, enacted in India, is set to enhance transparency, accountability, and professional governance within sports. He emphasized the timeliness of examining sports law through a Global South lens, especially as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and aims to bid for the Olympic Games.

Aditi Singh, director of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Gandhinagar and chief guest, spoke on 'Sports Law and India's Olympic Vision.' She highlighted the multifaceted nature of modern sports, encompassing governance, law, economics, and social empowerment.

Singh also pointed out that sports law is crucial for tackling common challenges faced by Global South nations. The established framework is expected to aid in addressing athlete rights, doping violations, and the consistent adherence to international standards.