New Delhi: India is preparing to strengthen its anti doping laws by introducing strict criminal penalties against individuals involved in supplying banned substances to athletes, including coaches, managers and medical practitioners.
The proposed amendments to the National Anti Doping Act include a provision for imprisonment of up to five years and fines up to Rs 2 lakh for those found guilty of trafficking, prescribing or distributing prohibited substances connected to doping in sports.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the amendments are aimed at targeting organised supply chains that encourage doping among athletes. The draft changes have been uploaded on the Sports Ministry’s website for public feedback, with suggestions invited until June 18. The government plans to introduce the amended bill during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.
Mandaviya said doping has evolved beyond an individual sporting violation and now operates through organised networks exploiting athletes for commercial gains. He stressed that action should not be limited to athletes consuming banned substances but should also extend to suppliers and facilitators involved in the process.
Under the proposed law, anyone found administering, prescribing, selling or distributing prohibited substances for the purpose of doping could face criminal prosecution. The amendments also seek to include medical practitioners who knowingly prescribe banned substances to athletes.
India’s poor anti doping record has become a growing concern as the country prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pursues its ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. India has topped the global list of dope offenders compiled by the World Anti-Doping Agency for the last three years.
The government had earlier considered similar criminal provisions in 2018, but they were dropped before the final legislation was passed in 2022. The current amendments mark a shift towards stronger legal action against organised doping networks.
The proposed law will, however, provide exemptions for athletes with Therapeutic Use Exemptions for genuine medical conditions and for doctors handling emergency situations. Officials clarified that penalties for athletes themselves will continue to be governed under the existing anti doping framework.
