New Delhi: India has been placed in the highest risk category for doping in athletics, with the Athletics Integrity Unit classifying the country as “extremely high risk.” The move places India alongside nations such as Russia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ukraine in Category A, the most stringent classification.
The Athletics Federation of India has been upgraded from Category B, meaning Indian athletes will now face tighter anti doping regulations and increased scrutiny. According to the watchdog, India ranked among the top two countries globally for the highest number of anti doping violations in athletics between 2022 and 2025.
AIU Chair David Howman noted that the country’s doping risk has remained consistently high over time, while the effectiveness of domestic anti doping systems has not kept pace. He indicated that although calls for reform have been made, significant improvements are still required. The AIU has stated it will work closely with Indian authorities to strengthen safeguards and restore confidence in the sport.
The development comes at a crucial time as India aims to host major international sporting events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and continues its push to stage the 2036 Olympics.
In a recent case highlighting the issue, Asian Games gold medallist Prathamesh Jawkar received a two year suspension due to a whereabouts failure, ruling him out of upcoming international competitions.
Meanwhile, World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka recently observed that India is a major source of performance enhancing substances. However, he also indicated that this concern alone is unlikely to impact the country’s chances of hosting global sporting events.
The classification underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement, awareness, and systemic reforms to tackle doping and uphold the integrity of athletics in India.
