Indian athletics has suffered a major setback at the global level. World Athletics has placed India in the category of extremely high doping risk countries. After this decision, strict monitoring and strict anti-doping rules will now be imposed on Indian players.
The decision comes as the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has upgraded the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) from Category B (moderate risk) to Category A (highest risk) in the category of extremely high doping risk countries. “The doping situation in India has long been high-risk and the domestic anti-doping program is inadequate in comparison,” AIU Chairman David Homan said.
After coming into the new category, Indian athletes will now have to face more doping tests than ever before. Tests can be conducted without any prior notice not only during the competition but also during training. In addition, players will also undergo blood tests under the Athlete Biological Passport System, which will monitor their biological indicators over time and detect any suspicious changes.
Additional conditions will now apply for participation in major events like the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships.
Before participating in these competitions, players must also undergo out-of-competition testing without prior notice at least three times within the 10 months preceding the entry deadline set by the AUI.
The strict rules will not be limited to players based in India only. Players who are training abroad will also have to participate in testing and will also be monitored regularly. It will be mandatory to share records of all tests and their results with AIU.
The steady rise in doping cases in India in recent years has raised concerns. According to AIU data:
- 48 cases in 2022 (second in the world)
- 63 cases in 2023 (second in the world)
- 71 cases in 2024 (highest in the world)
- 30 cases so far in 2025 (highest at present)
Additionally, 148 Indian athletes are currently disqualified due to doping violations, more than any other country.
Under the new category, AFI will have to form an anti-doping monitoring committee and implement a testing program in line with international standards. The AIU reviews these risk categories every three years, although earlier changes are possible if improvements occur.
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