The announcement came during a review meeting of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) here, where the functioning, capabilities, and future roadmap of the WADA-accredited facility were assessed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Emphasising the need to prevent doping violations through education and awareness, Mandaviya said, \u201cAthletes participating in the National Games and Khelo India competitions will undergo mandatory anti-doping awareness sessions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Minister stressed the importance of educating athletes early in their careers to promote clean sport and help them avoid inadvertent anti-doping rule violations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As part of efforts to widen access to anti-doping information, Mandaviya also announced that the 'Know Your Medicine' mobile application will be made available in regional languages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He said, \u201cMaking anti-doping information available in local languages would help athletes, coaches, and support personnel across the country better understand prohibited substances and ensure informed decision-making.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Sports Minister also highlighted the need to expand the National Dope Testing Laboratory's international footprint and called for greater engagement with global anti-doping programmes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEfforts should be made to increase testing of samples from international athletes at the laboratory,\u201d Mandaviya stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He noted that NDTL's growing technical expertise and adherence to international standards place it in a strong position to contribute more significantly to the global anti-doping ecosystem.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Addressing the broader challenge facing Indian sport, Mandaviya said doping remains a serious concern and underlined the need for awareness initiatives to complement enforcement measures. He called for anti-doping campaigns to reach grassroots levels, including villages, schools, colleges, and sporting institutions across the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Minister observed that punitive action alone would not solve the problem and advocated for a larger movement centred on promoting clean sport and clean sportspersons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
NDTL, India's only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, plays a pivotal role in the country's anti-doping programme. Over the years, it has strengthened its infrastructure, scientific expertise, and testing capabilities while contributing to research and innovation in anti-doping science.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Minister observed that punitive action alone would not solve the problem and advocated for a larger movement centred on promoting clean sport and clean sportspersons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The meeting was attended by Shreyasi Singh, Shooter and Hon'ble Minister for Industries and Sports, Government of Bihar; Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports); senior officers of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; representatives of National Sports Federations; eminent scientists; and P. L. Sahu, Director & CEO (I\/c), National Dope Testing Laboratory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n