Sports are more than just enjoyment or physical fitness; they are an important instrument for an individual’s total development. Sports not only promote health, but also instill values like solidarity, cooperation, discipline, leadership, and peace. Recognising sports as a fundamental right, legal frameworks are critical in protecting this right and ensuring that athletes can compete in a safe, fair, and courteous setting.
At the global and Indian levels, athletes are entitled to a variety of legal safeguards, including safety precautions, equal opportunities, discrimination-free surroundings, women’s and children’s sports rights, contracts, tax breaks, and adherence to competitive rules. The aim of this article is to educate readers on these legal rights and emphasise the relevance of laws in creating a fair, inclusive, and well-regulated sports ecosystem.
Every year the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The primary aim of this day is to highlight the value of sports and increase awareness about how they may promote peace, unity, and growth in society.
This day was established in 2013 through a collaborative effort between the United Nations (UN) and the International Olympic Committee. The first modern Olympic Games began on April 6, 1896, in Athens, Greece. This significant event prompted the choice of this date.
On this day, sports-related events, contests, talks, and social initiatives are held all around the world. People from all walks of life are encouraged to participate in sports, including women, children, people with impairments, and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Right to protection from doping: Under the National Anti-Doping Act of 2022, every athlete has the right to engage in sports that are free of doping, or the use of prohibited drugs. Doping erodes the purity and transparency of sports. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) monitors and tests athletes in India. Forcing an athlete to participate in doping can result in legal action against the person or organisation involved.
Right to a safe work and practise environment: Under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act of 2013, all female athletes are entitled to a safe and respectful environment during practice or competition. If they are harassed, insulted, or inconvenienced against their will, they can submit a complaint and seek legal help. Respect for women in athletics is mandatory.
Right to protect the image, name, and identity: Athletes own their name, photograph, logo, or other business identity under the Copyright Act of 1957 and the Trademarks Act of 1999. Any unauthorised use of their name or image entitles athletes to make a legal action and seek restitution.
Right to Transparent Contracts: According to the Indian Contract Act of 1872, every athlete has the right to engage into transparent and fair contracts with organisations, sponsors, or clubs. Contracts must include information about remuneration, duration, performance conditions, rights, and obligations. Athletes have the right to sue if they believe their contracts are unfair or deceptive.
Right to equal opportunity and participation: Articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution provide every athlete the right to participate in sports without discrimination. It is prohibited to discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, gender, region, or race. All athletes must have equal opportunity.
Right to Dispute Resolution: Athletes and organisations have the right under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1996 to resolve sports-related problems through arbitration. Athletes can seek justice at both the national and international levels by contacting the Sports Dispute Resolution Body or the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Right to a safe and inclusive sports environment: Every athlete in India, particularly female and junior athletes, is entitled to a safe, respected, and violence-free environment. There is legal protection against any form of mental, physical, or sexual harassment.
India does not currently have a specialised and autonomous sports law. However, the sports industry is governed by a variety of general rules and policies. The National Sports Federation (NSF) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are overseen by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The National Sports Policy of 2001, the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act of 2007, and the National Anti-Doping Act of 2022 all emphasise administration, broadcasting rights, and doping control in sports. Laws also safeguard intellectual property rights, athlete images, team logos, and broadcasting rights.
Additionally, the POSH Act of 2013 provides athlete safety and protection for women. NADA monitors doping in accordance with international regulations. General laws now cover issues such as betting, match rigging, and contract violations. There is a rising demand in India for a comprehensive and independent sports law to protect the sector’s openness, safety, and fairness.
International Sports Day emphasises the necessity of knowing athletes’ legal rights. Laws ensure safety, equality, justice, image protection, and anti-doping measures. Awareness of these rights enables athletes to protect themselves and understand their entitlements.
According to Adv. Abdul Mulla, a legal writer for sites such as www.asmlegalservices.in and www.lifeandlaw.in, says sports are now more than just competition; they are vocations and identities. Athletes’ futures depend on understanding their legal rights and creating a safe, fair environment.
Adv. Abdul Mulla (Mob. No. 937 007 2022) is a seasoned legal professional with over 18 years of experience in advocacy, specializing in diverse areas of law, including Real Estate and Property Law, Matrimonial and Divorce Matters, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Will and Succession Planning. read more….
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