New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has reiterated India’s commitment to clean sport, announcing plans to introduce further amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act to strengthen action against doping violations, including those involving coaches and supply chain stakeholders.
The Minister made the announcement while chairing the third formal meeting of the COP10 Bureau and the fourth formal meeting of the Fund’s Approval Committee for 2026–27 under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport in New Delhi.
Dr. Mandaviya said sporting excellence must be accompanied by integrity and that athletes should compete on the basis of talent, preparation and hard work, rather than prohibited substances or methods.
India Strengthens Anti-Doping Framework
Highlighting the country’s efforts to combat doping, the Minister said India had strengthened its legal and institutional framework through the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, and its 2025 Amendment, both of which came into force in July 2026.
He said the government plans to bring another amendment in the next session of Parliament to introduce criminal provisions to deal more effectively with violations, including those involving coaches and stakeholders in the supply chain.
NADA Conducts Over 7,000 Tests in 2025–26
Dr. Mandaviya said the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducted more than 7,000 tests during 2025–26 and organised over 350 education and awareness sessions, reaching approximately 27,000 participants.
The agency has also focused on risk-based testing and intelligence-led investigations to strengthen its efforts against doping.
The Minister further highlighted the Know Your Medicine mobile application, which has recorded more than half a million searches. The application helps athletes make informed decisions about medicines and supports awareness regarding prohibited substances.
Sport Values to Be Promoted in Classrooms
The Minister also highlighted a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Education and UNESCO to introduce the Sport Values in Every Classroom Toolkit in India.
The initiative aims to promote sporting values, ethics and integrity among students and reach millions of young people through classroom-based learning.
Global Cooperation Against Doping
The meetings focused on strengthening international cooperation and implementation of the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.
Discussions covered a framework document outlining the roles and responsibilities of public authorities in the global anti-doping ecosystem, strengthening anti-doping education and academic research, and engaging States Parties through the National Compliance Platform.
The agenda also included resource mobilisation, the Fund’s Operational Strategy for 2026–2031, compliance and capacity-building measures to support a sustainable global anti-doping system.
[DD News]