Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya has said that India will bring further amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act to introduce criminal provisions. He said the move is aimed at strengthening action against doping violations, including those involving coaches and supply chain stakeholders. Dr Mandaviya made the announcement while chairing the third formal meeting of the COP10 Bureau and the fourth formal meeting of the Fund’s Approval Committee for 2026-27 under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport in New Delhi.

The Minister said sporting excellence must be accompanied by integrity and that athletes should compete on the basis of talent, preparation and hard work, rather than prohibited substances or methods. Highlighting the country’s efforts to combat doping, Dr Mandaviya said India has strengthened its legal and institutional framework through the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, and its 2025 Amendment, both of which came into force in July 2026. He said the government plans to bring another amendment in the next session of Parliament to introduce criminal provisions to deal more effectively with violations, including those involving coaches and stakeholders in the supply chain. Dr. Mandaviya said the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducted more than 7,000 tests during 2025-26 and organised over 350 education and awareness sessions, reaching approximately 27,000 participants. The agency has also focused on risk-based testing and intelligence-led investigations to strengthen its efforts against doping.