India's Commitment to Clean Sports Highlighted at WADA Conference
Focus on Clean Sports
On Thursday, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized India's dedication to promoting clean sports and enhancing the national sports framework during the WADA Intelligence and Investigations conference.
In discussions with the media, Mandaviya noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently stressed the significance of integrity in sports and the elimination of doping. "This conference is being held in India, and PM Modi has already highlighted the importance of maintaining clean sports," he stated.
Government Initiatives
Mandaviya mentioned that the government has initiated various reforms aimed at bolstering sports governance and anti-doping measures. "To foster a robust sports ecosystem, the Government of India has introduced several initiatives, including the Sports Governance Bill, the Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, and the Khelo India policy," he explained.
He also pointed out that a nationwide campaign is underway to combat doping practices, focusing on safeguarding the integrity of competitive sports in India. "We are actively working against doping to protect the integrity of sports..."
Emphasis on Global Collaboration
During the inaugural session of the WADA Global Anti-Doping Intelligence & Investigations Network (GAIIN) conference on April 16, Mandaviya reiterated India's strong commitment to clean sports and the importance of global cooperation in the fight against doping.
He remarked that a global anti-doping intelligence network is crucial for enhancing collaboration in these vital areas, noting that the conference unites key players in the global battle against doping.
Strengthening National Anti-Doping Framework
Anant Kumar, Director General of NADA India, discussed the growth and development of India's anti-doping initiatives, stating, "Our testing program has significantly expanded in recent years, with a strategic shift towards risk-based and effectiveness-driven methods. However, testing alone is insufficient; integration, intelligence, and education must be central to our anti-doping strategy."
The Union Minister added that India is working on establishing new WADA-compliant drug testing laboratories to meet the increasing demand and enhance the national anti-doping framework.
Reiterating India's commitment, he stated, "No single entity can tackle the doping challenge alone," highlighting the necessity for strong collaborations among governments, regulators, and sports organizations. He concluded by affirming that "India is dedicated not only to achieving sporting excellence but also to maintaining the highest standards of integrity," describing the conference as a testament to the collective determination to ensure fairness and adherence to the values of sports.