At least 13 doping positives in run-up to recent Commonwealth Games and upcoming Asian Games have brought to attention the rising doping cases in India.
- Doping is the act of consuming artificial and illegal substances to gain an advantage over others in sporting competitions (E.g., anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, stimulants and diuretics).
Key Causes of Rising Instances of Doping in India
- Lucrative incentives: Cash incentives for Asian Games medallists are a major factor driving athletes and coaches to take shortcuts.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Many smaller and regional competitions do not have the resources to conduct anti-doping tests, which are costly.
- Medical Grey Area: Prevalence of therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs), where athletes are allowed to use certain banned substances for medical purposes.
- Doping Supply Line: India has become a hub for the trade in banned substances sourced from different countries e.g. Kenya.
India’s Anti-Doping Regulating Framework
- Institutional: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is an autonomous body under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and implements the Anti-Doping Program in India.
- Legal: National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Act, 2025 refines the governance structure.
- Expansion of testing facilities: From around 4,000 tests in 2019 to approximately 8,000 tests in the past year.
- Others: India's fulfils its obligations under UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport and aligns with international standards, particularly those of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA); etc.
