Athletics Watchdog Flags ‘extremely high’ Doping Risk in India

Syllabus: GS4/Ethics

Context

• The Athletics Integrity Unit Board has downgraded the Athletics Federation of India over “extremely high” doping risks among athletes, potentially affecting India’s 2036 Olympics hosting bid.

About

• The downgrade means India’s track and field athletes will now have to comply with more stringent anti-doping stipulations.
  • Also all national team members have to undergo tests before major championships.
• The setback comes in a year when India is preparing to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan.

Doping Concerns in India

• Between 2002 and 2025, India was among the top two in the list of countries with the most Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in athletics.
• According to the annual report for 2024 of the World Anti-Doping Agency, 260 Indian athletes tested positive for prohibited performance-enhancing drugs in 2024.
• Also, at 3.6%, India’s positivity ratio was among the highest in the world.

Anti-Doping Test

• According to the World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules, athletes of ‘Category A’ federations in the National Team for any World Athletics Series Event and who are not already on the International Registered Testing Pool, have to be adequately tested.
• The testing program must also include in-competition testing, no notice out-of-competition testing and pre-competition blood testing for screening.
• All test samples of athletes will have to be provided to be analysed by WADA-accredited laboratories for full menu analysis.

Anti Doping Agency in India

• The primary organization responsible for anti-doping efforts in India is the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). 
  • NADA was established in 2005 under the Societies Registration Act to promote, coordinate, and monitor the doping control program in sports in India. 
  • NADA operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. 
• Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Medical Commission: The IOA Medical Commission is an advisory body whose purpose is to provide advice to the IOA Executive and office on matters related to the health and wellbeing of athletes, and the medical services to be provided to the national team participating in the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
• National Anti-Doping Act, 2022: It is the first standalone anti-doping law in India.
  • It ensures compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
  • Grants powers for search, seizure, and disciplinary action.
  • Provides an appeal mechanism (National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel & Appeal Panel).
  • Enables education and research initiatives on doping.
• India is a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport.

Key Reasons for Increased Doping in India may Include

• Lack of scientific training and awareness: Many athletes, especially at grassroots levels, don’t fully understand banned substances or supplement contamination. 
• Easy access to performance-enhancing drugs: Over-the-counter availability of steroids and weak regulation make it easier to misuse substances without strict medical supervision.
• Pressure to perform and secure jobs: Government jobs, quotas, and financial rewards linked to medals create high stakes.
• Weak monitoring at lower levels: Testing is stronger at elite levels but relatively limited in state, university, and junior competitions where doping habits often begin.
• Cultural normalization in some pockets: In certain training hubs, doping has historically been seen as “part of the system,” making it harder to eliminate.

Initiatives Taken by Government

• Khelo India: To promote sports at the grassroots level. It includes talent identification, coaching, sports infrastructure development, and organizing competitions at school and university levels.
• National Sports Policy: To enhance the quality of sports training, promote participation, and increase the number of athletes competing internationally.
• Sports Authority of India (SAI): A key institution responsible for nurturing young talent and providing training facilities.
• National Sports Awards: The awards are given annually to recognize and reward excellence in sports.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund For Sportspersons (PDUNWFS): It was set up in 1982 with a view to assisting outstanding Sportspersons of yesteryear. 
• National Sports Development Fund: The Fund helps sportspersons excel by providing them opportunities to train under coaches of international repute.
  • It also provides financial assistance for development of infrastructure and other activities for promotion of sports.
• Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): To identify and support athletes with potential to win medals at the Olympic Games.
• Mission Olympic Cell (MOC): A body within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to monitor and provide support for athletes’ training and preparation for the Olympics under the TOPS.
• National Sports Federations (NSFs): The government recognizes and funds NSFs, which are responsible for promoting and developing their respective sports.

Measures that can be taken 

• Funding: Increase investment in sports facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Introduce anti-doping curriculum in sports education.
• Identification of Talent: Implement sports programs in schools to identify and nurture talent from a young age.
• Role Models: Highlight successful athletes to inspire youngsters to pursue sports.

Source: IE