GNLU Ahmedabad Hosts Major International Conference on Sports Law in Global South
The second International Conference on Sports Law in the Global South was successfully convened at the Centre for Sports and Entertainment Law, Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Ahmedabad. This significant two-day event, which commenced on Friday, brought together a diverse assembly of legal experts, sports body officials, and industry professionals to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of sports governance.
Inaugural Address Highlights Institutional Reforms
In his inaugural speech, S Shanthakumar, Director of GNLU, emphasized the pivotal role of the recently notified National Sports Governance Act, 2025. He stated that this legislation marks a transformative phase in India's sports landscape, driving major institutional reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and professional governance. Shanthakumar further noted that with India's preparations to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and its pursuit of an Olympic bid, examining sports law through the lens of the Global South is both timely and essential for aligning with international standards.
SAI Director Stresses Sports Law's Multifaceted Role
Aditi Singh, Director of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Gandhinagar, served as the chief guest and delivered a keynote address on the theme, 'Sports Law and India's Olympic Vision'. She articulated that modern sports encompass a broad spectrum including governance, law, economics, and social empowerment. Singh highlighted that sports law is crucial in addressing common challenges faced by countries in the Global South, such as athlete rights, doping issues, and adherence to international protocols. She affirmed that a robust legal framework will be instrumental in tackling these concerns effectively.
Broad Participation and Collaborative Insights
The conference witnessed active participation from members of various sports boards, fostering collaborative discussions on best practices and innovative solutions. This gathering underscored the growing importance of legal expertise in shaping equitable and sustainable sports ecosystems, particularly as nations in the Global South strive for greater recognition and success on the global stage.
Overall, the event at GNLU Ahmedabad served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, reinforcing the need for comprehensive sports law frameworks to support India's ambitious athletic goals and broader developmental objectives.
