India is set to further strengthen its anti-doping legislation by introducing criminal provisions to deal with doping-related violations, including those involving coaches and supply chain stakeholders, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday.
Addressing the third formal meeting of the COP10 Bureau and the fourth formal meeting of the Fund’s Approval Committee for 2026–27 under UNESCO’s International Convention against Doping in Sport in New Delhi, Mandaviya reaffirmed India’s commitment to ensuring fairness, integrity and transparency in sports.
The minister said the government plans to introduce another amendment to the National Anti-Doping Act in the next session of Parliament to strengthen enforcement against doping violations.
“Sporting excellence must always be accompanied by integrity,” Mandaviya said, emphasising that athletes should succeed through talent, preparation and hard work rather than prohibited substances or methods. He also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for zero tolerance towards doping in sports.
Anti-doping efforts gather momentum:
Highlighting India’s efforts to combat doping, 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 the detection and prevention of doping violations.
The minister further noted that the Know Your Medicine mobile application had recorded more than half a million searches, helping athletes make informed decisions about medicines and avoid inadvertently using prohibited substances.
India’s anti-doping framework has been strengthened through the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, and its 2025 amendment, both of which, according to the minister, came into force in July 2026.
Sports values to reach classrooms:
Mandaviya 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 integrate sporting values, ethics and integrity into classroom education, reaching millions of young people and promoting fair play from an early age.
Global co-operation against doping:
The meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation and improving the implementation of the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.
Key discussions covered the roles and responsibilities of public authorities within the global anti-doping system, capacity-building for anti-doping education, academic research and engagement with States Parties through the National Compliance Platform.
Participants also deliberated on resource mobilisation, compliance mechanisms and the Fund’s Operational Strategy for 2026–2031, with the objective of developing a sustainable and effective global anti-doping framework.
The inaugural session was attended by Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau; Luke McCann, Chairperson of the Fund’s Approval Committee; Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), Government of India and Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau; Gustavo Merino, UNESCO Director for Social Policies and Inclusion; and representatives from Zambia, Spain and the Russian Federation.
India’s participation as Vice-Chairperson representing Group IV underscores its engagement in international sports governance and its stated commitment to promoting ethical sporting practices.
With stronger legislation, expanded testing and awareness programmes, and greater international co-operation, India aims to reinforce the fight against doping and safeguard the integrity of competitive sport.
