India is a signatory to the UNESCO's International Convention against Doping in Sports. Consequently, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) had accepted the World Anti-Doping Code (the "Code"). The Anti-Doping Rules of NADA are adopted and implemented in conformity with NADA's responsibilities under the Code, and are in furtherance of NADA's continuing efforts to eradicate doping in India. The Code defines NADA as "The entity designated by India as possessing the primary authority to adopt and implement anti-doping rules, direct the collection of samples, the management of test results, and the conduct of hearings, all at the national level.
The various activities undertaken by NADA are as follows: 1. Dope Testing - NADA conducts dope tests on sportspersons by collecting urine and blood samples during events and training camps. These samples are being collected by NADA empanelled qualified dope control officers. 2. Therapeutic Use Exemption - Under the Anti-Doping Rules, the Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee consists of eminent and qualified medical practitioners who have expertise in various fields of Medicine. The main function of the Committee is to consider applications of sportspersons who are seeking therapeutic use exemption on the grounds of medical condition requiring use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method. 3. Result Management Agreement - As per the Article 10.8.1 of NADR 2021, based on the early admission and acceptance of consequences, sportspersons may get reduction of one (1) year in an ineligibility period of four (4) years for ADRV. 4. Anti-Doping Disciplinary Level - The athletes found guilty of violating Anti-Doping Rules of NADA were given opportunity to present themselves before the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and explain their cases on the date and time fixed by the Panel for hearing. The panel comprising expert members from legal, medical and sports background hear ADRV cases on regular basis. 5. Anti-Doping Awareness Program in Sports - NADA has been conducting anti-doping awareness workshops educational and awareness seminars about the prohibited drugs/substances and methods in sports across the country for sports persons, young athletes, coaches and support staff. NADA has been encouraging the Olympic bound sports persons and support staff to participate in online Anti-Doping e-Learning (ADeL) available on WADA website and certify themselves towards anti-doping information. Special anti-doping education programs were also held during Independence Day week. During the FY 2022-23, 169 awareness cum interactive sessions have been conducted by NADA for various groups of participants.
