The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has agreed to be placed in Category A under Rule 15 of World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules, as decided by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Emphasizing its dedication to promoting clean sports in India, the federation highlighted the severe threat doping poses to the credibility and progress of athletics in the country. AFI stated its active involvement in collaborating with anti-doping authorities, both nationally and internationally, to combat doping through education, testing enhancements, and investigative support.
In an official statement, AFI reiterated its stance that doping hampers the development of athletics in India and underscored its partnerships with anti-doping organizations to bolster education, testing procedures, and intelligence-driven probes. The federation acknowledged the AIU’s recognition of its proactive efforts in implementing anti-doping reforms, viewing this acknowledgment positively despite the challenges faced. AFI reaffirmed its dedication to cooperating closely with the AIU and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to combat doping across all levels of the sport.
Advocating for stringent accountability measures, AFI called for stricter legal actions, including criminal penalties, against individuals involved in doping, particularly at grassroots levels. The federation stressed the importance of these measures in deterring coaches and parents from exploiting young athletes in their pursuit of success. AFI’s advocacy for meaningful anti-doping reforms in India has been acknowledged by the AIU, with the federation committed to collaborating with the AIU, NADA, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to combat doping comprehensively.
Looking ahead, AFI expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration with the AIU, NADA, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aiming to address current challenges and eventually transition out of Category A in the near future.
