Anti-doping cases in India have risen sharply in recent years, and this has become a major concern for athletes, sports authorities, and international bodies. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) testing figures for 2024, India recorded 260 adverse cases, the highest number of doping violations reported by any country that year. These 260 positives came from over 7,000 tests conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), giving India one of the highest positivity rates among major sporting nations.
This marked the third consecutive year that India topped the global doping charts. As the country is set to host top international games, including the Commonwealth Games, in the near future, the high number of doping cases may prove detrimental to its aspirations of bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games.
Aspiring to stand on the winner’s podium at big international games may prompt elite athletes to take banned performance-enhancing drugs, despite the risks of adverse effects on one’s health over the years. Many of our sports personalities have failed dope tests after winning at international events. The Sports Ministry must treat this as an emergency, not an embarrassment to be brushed under the carpet.
