260 Athletes Failed Doping Tests In 2024: Govt
New Delhi: On Thursday, the Union government informed Parliament that 260 athletes tested positive for banned substances in 2024. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, provided this information in a written response to a question from Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi.
When asked whether the government was aware of recent anti-doping rule violations by Indian athletes, the Minister responded affirmatively and stated that the government is fully committed to curbing the menace of doping in sports.
Also Read | Aircraft Audits: What Did Civil Aviation Ministry Say?
The Minister also shared a list of the number of athletes who tested positive for banned substances from 2021 to 2024.
Source: Rajya Sabha Document
In response to Congress MP’s question on the functioning and effectiveness of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), Mandaviya responded that they are being periodically reviewed by the Government as well as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) so as to ensure that its operations remain aligned with international standards as per the WADA Code.
NADA holds awareness sessions on anti-doping for athletes and their support staff, the Minister said. These sessions cover a range of important topics, including: the principle of strict liability, ethical values in sports, Dope Control process, health hazards and consequences of doping, therapeutic use exemptions and prohibited substances, doping control process, among many others.
Also Read | Minister Sarnaik Trolled Over Rapido Tie-Up Months After Threatening Action Against The Firm
Adding further, Minister conveyed that NADA is implementing an event-based education model at major sporting events like the National Games and Khelo India Games. They use interactive tools such as anti-Doping pledge, awareness mobile game, anti-Doping digital quiz, awareness kiosks, and workshops to reach a wider audience. Besides, NADA collaborates with sports federations to promote clean sports, the Minister added.
