Lok Sabha Question No. 4879 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Strengthening Anti-Doping Framework , Sports Integrity Standards
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, Shri Mahendra Singh Solanky, Shri Captain Brijesh Chowta, Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Shri Dineshbhai Makwana

## Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

## Government of India 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

standards,  including  capacity  building  of  NADA,  enhancement  of testing  protocols,  and  upgradation  of  laboratory  facilities.  Testing coverage has been expanded across States/UTs, including both incompetition  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.

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