New Anti-Doping Bill Introduced to Strengthen Sports Integrity in India

Introduction of the Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025

On July 24, in New Delhi, a significant legislative proposal aimed at bolstering the independence of the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel and the National Anti-Doping Agency was presented in the Lok Sabha.

The Union Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, introduced the Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following the earlier introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill 2025.

The objectives outlined in the Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 reflect the government's ongoing commitment to enhancing the anti-doping framework. The proposed amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, are designed to align the legislation with international standards and the World Anti-Doping Code.

Initially enacted to promote and reinforce anti-doping measures in sports, the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, provides a legal framework for the operations of the National Anti-Doping Agency, the National Dope Test Laboratory, and the establishment of the National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports.

This Act aims to meet India's obligations under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport and adheres to the principles set forth in the World Anti-Doping Code.

The proposed amendments are intended to create a more robust anti-doping environment in India, as stated in the bill.

The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to enhance the operational and institutional independence of the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel and the National Anti-Doping Agency, ensuring their autonomy in decision-making related to operations, investigations, and enforcement.

Additionally, the bill aims to align the provisions of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, with international best practices and the World Anti-Doping Code.

It stipulates that certain provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code, as listed in the Schedule, will hold legal authority in India.

Notably, Article 2 of the World Anti-Doping Code, which addresses Anti-Doping Rule Violations, has been included in the Schedule of the Act.