New Delhi: India recorded the highest doping positivity rate among major nations in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2024 testing report, raising concerns at both national and international levels. According to the report, India conducted 7,113 tests last year—including 6,576 urine samples and 537 blood samples—which resulted in 260 adverse analytical findings. This translated to a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, the highest among countries carrying out 5,000 or more tests.
By comparison, China conducted 24,214 tests with a positivity rate of just 0.2 per cent, while the US recorded 6,592 tests with a rate of 1.1 per cent. Russia, despite its global scrutiny over doping issues, had a positivity rate of 0.7 per cent from 10,514 tests. While some countries with smaller testing numbers, like Pakistan and Mongolia, showed higher rates, their results are less statistically significant.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) emphasized that India’s high positivity rate reflects intensified anti-doping measures rather than a surge in substance abuse among athletes. “These figures are a direct outcome of expanded testing and stronger detection mechanisms,” NADA noted, highlighting ongoing efforts to build a robust anti-doping ecosystem.
In 2025, India has so far conducted 7,068 tests, with a reduced positivity rate of 1.5 per cent following 110 adverse findings, indicating gradual improvement. NADA also pointed to extensive awareness initiatives, including 280 workshops in 2024 reaching around 37,000 participants, and 329 programs in 2025 encompassing webinars, seminars, TV sessions, ADEL courses, and digital campaigns.
Athletes are increasingly using the ‘Know Your Medicine’ app, which helps verify substances for prohibited ingredients. By 2024, the app recorded approximately 2,40,000 searches, serving as a preventive measure against inadvertent doping. NADA is also collaborating with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) to improve testing of nutrition supplements.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling doping, particularly in athletics and strength-based sports like weightlifting. NADA stressed that enhanced testing, education, and compliance measures are creating a stronger anti-doping framework in India, aiming to safeguard the integrity of sport and support the country’s international sporting aspirations.
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