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India witnesses a spurt in doping cases, number could cross 100
India may not be a sporting superpower, but it is way ahead of other nations in doping. More embarrassment could be in store as the number of positive cases could cross 100.
India may not be a sporting superpower, but it is way ahead of other nations in doping. More embarrassment could be in store as the number of positive cases could cross 100.
Taking performance-enhancing drugs isn’t a new phenomenon in the country, but what’s alarming is the rapid rise in numbers with a large number of cases being reported from schools and colleges.
At least four school athletes failed dope tests in the first four months of the year.
According to details furnished by the sports ministry in the Rajya Sabha, the number of violations was 68 in October, which shot up to 90 in November.
The ministry said anti-doping measures were being adopted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to check the menace.
In 2013, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that India ranked behind Russia and Turkey in doping cases. Over 90 Indians failed dope tests, and of them 20 were women athletes.
As per the details given by the ministry, the number of dope cheats was 96 in 2013, while it was 95 in 2014. In 2015, the pre-Olympic year, the figure shot up to 120.
The ministry said all federations were strictly implementing anti-doping rules, and NADA had the mandate to ensure dope-free sports in India. Anti-doping awareness sessions for athletes and support staff were also being conducted with the aim to discourage the use of performance-enhancing drugs, the ministry said in the Rajya Sabha.
According to NADA director general, Naveen Aggarwal, the surge in numbers was due to the easy availability of performance-enhancing drugs. “It’s alluring for youngsters who want quick success. There are awareness programmes to check the menace of doping. We hope the figure doesn’t touch 100,” he said.
