India Reaffirms Commitment to Clean Sports at International Doping Convention
In a significant move to combat doping in sports, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, presided over the third formal meeting of the COP10 Bureau and the fourth meeting of the Fund’s Approval Committee for 2026-27. The gathering took place in New Delhi under the auspices of the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized India’s unwavering commitment to ensuring integrity in sports.
Dr. Mandaviya expressed his views on the importance of clean sport, stating, “India firmly believes that sporting excellence must always be accompanied by integrity. Every athlete deserves a fair opportunity to compete, with success determined by talent, preparation, and hard work, not through prohibited substances or methods.” This statement echoes the sentiments of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who has consistently advocated for a zero tolerance policy towards doping-related issues.
Highlighting recent reforms, Dr. Mandaviya mentioned the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, and its 2025 Amendment, which bolster India’s legal and institutional framework to address violations more effectively. He spoke about plans to introduce additional amendments in the upcoming parliamentary session aimed at implementing criminal penalties for violations, including those involving coaches and suppliers of banned substances.
The Minister pointed out the proactive measures already taken to enhance awareness among athletes regarding doping. During the previous year, the National Anti-Doping Agency conducted over 7,000 tests and facilitated more than 350 educational sessions, reaching approximately 27,000 participants. Moreover, the ‘Know Your Medicine’ mobile application has proven invaluable, with over half a million searches made by users seeking information on medications.
Dr. Mandaviya also announced a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Education, and UNESCO. This agreement aims to implement the Sport Values in Every Classroom Toolkit in India, fostering ethical sporting values among young students.
The meeting’s agenda focused on enhancing global cooperation against doping, discussing a framework document that outlines the responsibilities of public authorities in the anti-doping ecosystem. Participants explored ways to strengthen education and academic research, resource mobilization, and compliance in support of a sustainable anti-doping system.
Esteemed delegates attended the meeting, including Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, and Mr. Luke McCann, Chairperson of the Approval Committee of the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport. The presence of representatives from various countries underscored India’s role as a Vice-Chairperson of Group IV, reaffirming its commitment to ethical practices in sports and adherence to international frameworks.
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