Parliament Question: Strengthening Anti-Doping Framework , Sports Integrity Standards

Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Sports LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4879 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026 Strengthening Anti-Doping Framework, Sports Integrity Standards 4879. SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH SOLANKY: SHRI CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA: SHRI DINESHBHAI MAKWANA: SMT. KAMALJEET SEHRAWAT: SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken any steps to upgrade doping testing standards, laboratory accreditation and regulatory oversight in order to align India’s anti-doping framework with international benchmarks and whether they are benefiting at State level; (b) if so, the details thereof, including capacity enhancement measures and testing coverage at grassroots State and elite levels, particularly in Dewas-Shajapur, Lok Sabha Constituency in Madhya Pradesh; (c) whether structured awareness, preventive education and Safe Sport compliance programmes have been institutionalised for athletes, coaches and support personnel; and (d) if so, the details thereof, including grievance redressal mechanism and regulatory standards governing nutritional supplements and athlete support services thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA] (a) and (b): Yes Sir. The Government has undertaken measures to strengthen the anti-doping framework in alignment with international Page 1 of 2standards, including capacity building of NADA, enhancement of testing protocols, and upgradation of laboratory facilities. Testing coverage has been expanded across States/UTs, including both in- competition and out-of-competition samples, based on established plans and risk assessment. Awareness and training activities are also conducted at various levels. (c) and (d): Preventive education and awareness programmes aligned with WADA Code 2021 are being implemented through e-learning platforms (ADEL), certification courses, and targeted outreach initiatives for athletes, coaches, and support personnel. Awareness is promoted through workshops conducted during sports events and training camps, digital and social media engagement, and educational tools such as the “Know Your Medicine” mobile application. Multilingual educational materials, including resources for visually challenged athletes, have also been developed to improve accessibility. A grievance redressal mechanism is in place under NADA for addressing complaints relating to doping control processes, testing procedures, and disciplinary matters, with appeals handled through designated bodies, including the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel, as per established rules. Athletes are also sensitized regarding risks associated with nutritional supplements, including contamination and the principle of strict liability under anti-doping regulations. ***** Page 2 of 2