World Athletics Places India in Highest-Risk Doping Category
Indian athletes are now confronting significantly more rigorous anti-doping protocols following a decisive announcement from World Athletics' Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Monday. The AIU confirmed it has elevated the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to its highest-risk Category A, a move that imposes stricter testing obligations and heightened scrutiny on national-team athletes.
Persistent Violations Prompt Category Shift
This reclassification stems from India's alarming record of anti-doping rule violations in athletics between 2022 and 2025, where the nation consistently ranked among the top two offenders globally. The AIU board consequently shifted the AFI from Category B to Category A, designating it as a federation of highest concern. Under the new rules, Category A federations must adhere to minimum testing thresholds and enhanced compliance measures to safeguard competitive integrity.
AIU Chairman David Howman elaborated on the decision in an official statement, noting, "The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk." He acknowledged that while the AFI has advocated for reforms within India, insufficient progress has been made. Howman affirmed that the AIU will now collaborate closely with the AFI to implement necessary changes, mirroring approaches taken with other Category A member federations.
Broader Context of Doping Concerns
India's doping challenges extend beyond athletics, as the country has also topped the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of doping offenders for three consecutive years. This issue gains urgency with India set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and actively bidding for the 2036 Olympics. During a visit to India last week, WADA President Witold Banka highlighted the "serious problem" of readily available performance-enhancing drugs in the country. Banka engaged with senior officials from India's federal police to seek assistance in disrupting illicit supply chains and curbing the distribution of banned substances.
Federation Response and Reform Efforts
In response to the categorization, AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla emphasized the federation's commitment to addressing doping through coordinated efforts. "AFI has got a strong plan and we are all for criminalising doping in this country," stated Sumariwalla, who also serves as a World Athletics vice president. He explained that increased testing in India has naturally led to more athletes being caught, asserting that greater scrutiny is not inherently negative. Sumariwalla clarified that while the AFI focuses on policy creation, it relies on government and police support to apprehend "crooks and criminals" involved in doping activities.
The federation is actively working with the AIU, India's sports ministry, and the National Anti-Doping Agency to develop and enforce robust anti-doping measures. This intensified focus follows a directive from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year, when an Indian delegation was advised during a visit to Lausanne to effectively curb doping to strengthen the nation's Olympic bid prospects. The AIU's decision underscores a critical juncture for Indian athletics, balancing competitive ambitions with the imperative for clean sport and global credibility.
