Doping in Sports: Issues and Policy Measures

Source: The post “Doping in Sports: Issues and Policy Measures” has been created, based on “Doping in Sports: Issues and Policy Measures” published in “Indian Express” on 22nd April 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2- Governance

Context: The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), which is an autonomous body of World Athletics, has classified India as an “extremely high doping risk country” in athletics. The AIU has downgraded the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to Category A, indicating serious concerns regarding the integrity of athletics governance in India. This development may negatively affect India’s credibility in its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Reasons Behind the “Extremely High” Doping Risk Classification

1. High Anti-Doping Rule Violations in athletics

1. India recorded 48 Anti-Doping Rule Violations in 2022, which placed the country second globally.
2. India recorded 63 Anti-Doping Rule Violations in 2023, which again placed the country second globally.
3. India recorded 71 Anti-Doping Rule Violations in 2024, which placed the country first globally.
4. India has already recorded 30 Anti-Doping Rule Violations in 2025 so far, which currently places the country first globally.
5. These consistently high violation numbers indicate the presence of a systemic doping problem in athletics.

2. Highest number of doping positives across sports globally

1. According to the 2024 report of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), 260 Indian athletes tested positive for prohibited substances in 2024.
2. India was the only country in the world to record doping violations in triple digits.
3. India recorded a positivity ratio of 3.6 percent, which was among the highest in the world.
4. These statistics indicate serious weaknesses in India’s anti-doping enforcement mechanisms.

3. Inadequate scale of testing compared to major countries

1. The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) collected 7,113 urine and blood samples in 2024.
2. China conducted 24,214 tests, which resulted in only 43 positive cases.
3. Germany conducted 15,081 tests, which resulted in 54 positive cases.
4. France conducted 11,744 tests, which resulted in 91 positive cases.
5. Russia conducted 10,514 tests, which resulted in 76 positive cases.
6. Italy conducted 9,304 tests, which resulted in 85 positive cases.
7. The United Kingdom conducted 8,273 tests, which resulted in 30 positive cases.
8. These figures show that India conducted fewer tests but recorded a significantly higher number of positive cases.

4. Weak domestic anti-doping programme

1. The AIU stated that India’s domestic anti-doping programme is not proportionate to the level of doping risk present in the country.
2. The AIU highlighted that intelligence gathering related to doping activities remains inadequate.
3. The AIU emphasized that out-of-competition testing mechanisms remain insufficient.
4. The AIU further noted that testing at the state and district levels requires significant strengthening.

Meaning and Implications of Category A Classification

1. Mandatory testing before major competitions: All national team athletes must undergo testing before participating in major international competitions such as the Olympic Games and World Athletics events.
2. Expansion of testing mechanisms

1. Athletes must undergo in-competition testing as part of stricter monitoring requirements.
2. Athletes must also undergo no-notice out-of-competition testing under the Category A framework.
3. Athletes must undergo pre-competition blood testing for screening purposes.

3. Responsibility for athletes training abroad: The Athletics Federation of India remains responsible for ensuring testing compliance even when athletes train outside India.
4. Use of accredited laboratories: All athlete samples must be analysed by WADA-accredited laboratories for full menu analysis.

Implications for India’s 2036 Olympic Bid

1. India’s doping record was highlighted as a concern during its presentation to the International Olympic Committee.
2. The downgrade may affect India’s credibility as a responsible sporting nation.
3. The downgrade may increase international scrutiny of India’s sports governance systems.
4. The downgrade may create additional pressure on India to demonstrate improvements in anti-doping compliance.

Measures Required to Address the Doping Challenge

1. Strengthening intelligence-based anti-doping systems

1. India must strengthen intelligence gathering mechanisms to identify doping supply chains.
2. India must improve monitoring of coaches and support staff involved in athlete training.

2. Increasing out-of-competition testing: India must expand randomized out-of-competition testing to improve deterrence against doping practices.
3. Expanding grassroots-level testing: India must strengthen testing mechanisms at the state and district levels to detect doping at early stages.
4. Criminalisation of doping networks: Criminal action must be taken against suppliers, distributors, and facilitators of prohibited substances to create a strong deterrent effect.
5. Institutional coordination: The Athletics Federation of India, the National Anti Doping Agency, and the Union Sports Ministry must coordinate effectively to improve anti-doping enforcement.

Conclusion: India’s classification as a high-risk doping country reflects structural weaknesses in its anti-doping ecosystem. The Category A classification provides an opportunity for India to strengthen regulatory enforcement and improve sporting integrity. Effective reforms in testing, intelligence gathering, and institutional coordination will be essential for improving India’s credibility ahead of its 2036 Olympic hosting ambitions.

Question: The rising doping violations in Indian athletics raise serious concerns about governance, ethics, and India’s global sporting ambitions.” Discuss.

Source: Indian Express