Politics · Singapore Bureau
India to criminalize doping supply chains ahead of Olympic bid
India is preparing legislative amendments to classify the trafficking of banned performance-enhancing substances as a criminal offense. The move is intended to strengthen the country's candidacy to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad.
LSN Singapore ·
NEW DELHI - India plans to toughen its anti-doping legislation by making the distribution and supply of prohibited substances a criminal matter, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday.
The proposed legal amendments would represent a significant escalation in the country's enforcement approach to combat doping across sports. Currently, anti-doping violations in India are handled primarily through sporting sanctions administered by national federations.
The enhanced legislative framework is expected to strengthen India's credentials as a potential host nation for the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad competing to secure the Games. International Olympic Committee standards place considerable emphasis on comprehensive anti-doping measures and governance as part of the host city selection process.
The move aligns with global efforts to combat organized doping networks and addresses one of the International Olympic Committee's key requirements for prospective host nations. By introducing criminal penalties for supply-chain activities rather than limiting consequences to athletes alone, India aims to disrupt the systemic infrastructure that enables doping operations.
The amendment would require parliamentary approval before coming into effect. Officials have not yet announced a specific timeline for the legislative process.