India Strengthens Anti-Doping Efforts with New Research Grant Policy

Launch of Extramural Research Grant Policy

New Delhi, November 3: On Tuesday, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, introduced the Extramural Research Grant Policy of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) during the 10th World Association of Anti-Doping Scientists (WAADS) Quality Assurance Managers’ Meeting 2026 held in New Delhi, as reported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The two-day event, which commenced on November 2, was organized by NDTL and gathered international participants from both the sports and scientific sectors. Mandaviya, who served as the chief guest, also launched the NDTL Newsletter during the meeting.

During his address, the Union Sports Minister emphasized India's strict stance against doping, stating, “India has zero tolerance for doping. It is our duty to ensure that every achievement is attained through talent, discipline, and hard work. Under the guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, sports have become a crucial element of nation-building,” he remarked. “India’s sporting journey is entering a transformative phase.”

Mandaviya underscored India's dedication to enhancing anti-doping research and education, announcing, “Today, we have launched the significant Extramural Research Grant Policy, aimed at fostering research and development in advanced detection and prevention methods. This initiative will fortify the scientific basis of our anti-doping strategies.”

As India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and aspires to hold the 2036 Olympics, the importance of education and awareness regarding doping is paramount in the nation's efforts to combat it.

He added, “Our strategy integrates robust testing infrastructure with education, awareness, and prevention. With the Commonwealth Games approaching in 2030 and our ambitions for the 2036 Olympics, prioritizing anti-doping testing, athlete education, and international collaboration is essential.”

Mandaviya further stated, “Athletes, coaches, and medical professionals must be well-informed about the consequences of using prohibited substances, the dangers linked to supplements, and their obligations under anti-doping regulations.”

The Union Sports Minister noted that India has made significant strides towards becoming a prominent sporting nation, with recent performances at the 2026 Asian Games serving as evidence.

“Through initiatives like Khelo India, Fit India, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, we have enhanced the sporting ecosystem and provided more opportunities for our youth to thrive,” Mandaviya explained.

“At the recently concluded Asian Games 2026, our athletes achieved one of their best performances, finishing fourth in the overall medal standings. Our para-athletes also made history at the Asian Para Games 2026, securing a record 114 medals, the highest ever for India at these games,” he added.

The meeting also saw participation from Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao, along with international delegates including Osquel Barroso, Senior Associate Director (Laboratory Science and Medicine) at WADA, Dorota Kwiatkowska, President of WAADS, Prof. (Dr) P L. Sahu, Director of NDTL, and other distinguished scientists.