India to criminalize doping violations in upcoming Parliament session

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India plans to introduce amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act during the next session of Parliament. The proposed changes aim to introduce criminal provisions to more effectively address doping-related violations, specifically targeting the trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances.

Under the proposed framework, suppliers—including coaches and medical practitioners who knowingly prescribe banned drugs—could face jail terms of up to five years. Currently, disciplinary actions in India are limited to bans that can last up to a lifetime, lacking penal provisions to tackle the supply chain of banned substances.

Mandaviya shared these updates during meetings held under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport in New Delhi. He emphasized India's commitment to integrity in sports, noting that the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducted over 7,000 tests during the 2025-26 period and has utilized digital tools like the ‘Know Your Medicine’ mobile application to assist athletes.