Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, revealed new measures to bolster India’s anti-doping efforts. Athletes at National Games and Khelo India events will now receive compulsory anti-doping education. This decision emerged during a review of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi.
Emphasizing the significance of early education on doping prevention, Mandaviya stressed the need for athletes to undergo mandatory anti-doping awareness sessions. He highlighted the importance of instilling clean sports values to prevent inadvertent doping rule violations. Additionally, a mobile app named ‘Know Your Medicine’ will provide anti-doping information in regional languages.
In a bid to enhance access to anti-doping resources, Mandaviya called for the expansion of NDTL’s international presence. He urged for increased testing of samples from global athletes at the laboratory. The Minister commended NDTL’s technical advancements and adherence to global standards, positioning it as a key contributor to the global anti-doping landscape.
Mandaviya addressed the persistent challenge of doping in Indian sports, advocating for awareness campaigns at grassroots levels. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach centered on promoting clean sportsmanship. The Minister underscored that punitive actions alone cannot combat doping, calling for a broader movement towards clean sports culture.
