The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYA&S) on May 21, 2026, notified regarding the anti-doping law amendments to criminalise organised doping activities.
The following has been stated:
• The proposed framework targets trafficking, illegal sale and distribution of banned substances, administration of prohibited substances to athletes, supply of such substances to minors, doping-related organised crime, misleading advertisements, and commercial promotion of doping.
• The proposed amendments aim to take strict action against traffickers, illegal suppliers, organised syndicates, and support personnel involved in doping networks, while ensuring that athletes are not criminalised merely for anti-doping rule violations or positive tests unless involved in criminal activities such as trafficking or organised operations. Existing anti-doping violations by athletes will continue to be handled under the current anti-doping framework.
• The framework also includes safeguards for athletes with valid Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and legitimate medical treatment by doctors during emergencies. The proposed measures align with India’s commitments under the UNESCO anti-doping convention and global standards supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
• Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments and suggestions on the draft amendments by June 18, 2026.
• The link to the draft proposed amendments published for public consultation - https://yas.gov.in/sites/default/files/Draft%20Amendment%20to%20the%20National%20Anti-Doping%20Act%2C%202022%20for%20Public%20Consultation_0.pdf
[Press Release ID: 2263604]
