Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, today outlined India’s strong commitment in conducting clean and fair sporting practices and global cooperation in combating doping worldwide. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Final Conference of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (GAIIN) in New Delhi, he said that India has undertaken proactive reforms for compliance, reflecting a genuine commitment towards the integrity of sports.

He informed that the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has adopted a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to spread awareness through workshops, seminars, digital campaigns, and event-based learning. Special education modules have also been developed for athletes with disabilities under a universal design framework.

Sharing progress in testing and enforcement, Dr. Mandaviya stated that India has expanded its anti-doping testing from around 4,000 tests in 2019 to approximately 8,000 tests in the past year. He also noted a significant decline in adverse analytical findings, from 5.6 percent in 2019 to less than 2 percent currently, reflecting the impact of sustained awareness and preventive efforts.

Understanding the need for coordinated global response to effectively dismantle doping, Dr Mandaviya noted the government is working towards introducing criminal provisions against those involved in administering or trafficking prohibited substances. Further, highlighting the importance of international collaboration, the Minister said that a global anti-doping intelligence and investigations network can play an important role in strengthening cooperation in the global fight against doping.

Speaking on India’s growing global role, the Minister said that hosting international engagements such as WADA workshops and the current conference has significantly enhanced the investigation capacities and strengthened the country’s anti-doping ecosystem. Referring to Initiatives such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement, he reiterated India’s ambition, in emerging as a global sporting powerhouse with both direction and momentum and transforming the sporting ecosystem and making sports an integral part of the country’s national identity.