India Elevated to 'Extremely High' Doping Risk Category by World Athletics
In a significant development, India has been officially classified as an "extremely high" doping risk nation by World Athletics. This decision comes after India topped the list of doping offenders for the past two consecutive years, leading to stricter anti-doping rules for Indian athletes. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Board moved the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) from Category B to Category A under Rule 15 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules on Monday, as reported by PTI.
AIU Chair Highlights Longstanding Doping Concerns
AIU Chair David Howman emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk." He further noted that while the AFI has advocated for reforms, insufficient progress has been made. The AIU will now collaborate with the AFI to implement necessary changes to protect the integrity of athletics, similar to efforts with other Category A federations.
India's Doping Violations and Rankings
India has consistently ranked among the top two countries for Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in athletics from 2022 to 2025. According to AIU data:
- 2022: 48 ADRVs, ranked 2nd
- 2023: 63 ADRVs, ranked 2nd
- 2024: 71 ADRVs, ranked 1st
- 2025 (so far): 30 ADRVs, ranked 1st
Additionally, India has surpassed Kenya to lead the AIU list of ineligible athletes due to doping, with 148 suspended athletes. Under World Athletics rules, Category A federations are deemed highest risk and must adhere to stricter measures, including minimum testing of national-level athletes, while Category B represents medium risk and Category C low risk.
Duration and Review of Classification
Under Rule 15.3.3, the AIU reviews each federation's category every three years. This assessment is based on factors such as the doping history of athletes and support staff, intelligence inputs, performance levels in international events, and the strength of the national anti-doping system. The AIU retains the authority to adjust the category at any time within this period, ensuring ongoing monitoring and accountability.
Obligations for Category A Federations
As a Category A federation, India must implement an annual testing programme that meets international standards. Key requirements include:
- Testing athletes in competition and out of competition without notice
- Conducting blood testing before events under the Athlete Biological Passport system, following World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines
- Documenting and sharing all testing details with the AIU, including for athletes training abroad
- Tracking the performance of elite athletes and regularly updating testing pools
Furthermore, athletes cannot participate in major events like the World Athletics Championships or the Olympic Games unless they have undergone at least three no-notice out-of-competition tests in the 10 months before the AIU's deadline. For other disciplines, these tests may involve blood or urine samples. Under Rule 15.5.3, each Category A federation must also establish an Anti-Doping Monitoring Committee to ensure compliance with these stringent measures.
