New Delhi : Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that India will bring further amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act to introduce criminal provisions, aimed at strengthening action against doping violations, including those involving coaches and supply chain stakeholders. The announcement was made while he chaired 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. The Minister stated that sporting excellence must be accompanied by integrity, and athletes should compete on the basis of talent, preparation and hard work rather than prohibited substances or methods. Highlighting India’s efforts, he noted that the country has 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 supply chain stakeholders. Dr Mandaviya also 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, with a focus on risk-based testing and intelligence-led investigations.
