The chief medical officer (CMO) of the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2026, Dr. Pardiwala, emphasized the need to eradicate doping to safeguard India’s global sports reputation. He highlighted that 90% of over-the-counter supplements contain contaminants, posing a significant risk of inadvertent doping. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya disclosed that India had reported 78 doping cases by July 15, 2026, with Uttar Pradesh and Punjab having the highest number of violations.
Dr. Pardiwala condemned doping as a form of cheating that tarnishes the country’s image, stressing the importance of stringent measures to identify and eliminate offenders. He underscored the significance of educating athletes, coaches, and support staff on safe and approved substances to prevent inadvertent doping. The CMO also addressed the issue of deliberate cheating for financial gain and unintentional doping through contaminated supplements.
Regarding the prevalence of doping for quick success and benefits like government jobs, Dr. Pardiwala emphasized the absence of shortcuts to success in sports. He urged athletes to rely on approved substances vetted by medical professionals to avoid falling into the trap of doping. Dr. Pardiwala praised the collaboration between the Indian Olympic Association and the Neeraj Chopra Foundation to promote clean sport and combat doping effectively.
