India’s Doping Storm As AUI Slams AFI with ‘High-Risk’ Category A Tag

India faces a serious regulatory crisis as AFI has been shifted from ‘Category B’ to ‘Category A’, by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) under Rule 15 of the World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules.

AIU chair David Howman said, “The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk.

While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed. The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of athletics, as we have done with other ‘Category A’ member federations.”

“We will continue to work with the AIU and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in the battle against doping in Indian athletics. The AFI has been advocating to criminalise the perpetrators of doping, especially at the grassroots level. It will deter coaches and parents from resorting to doping young athletes,” said an AFI release.

Three unannounced out-of-competition tests shall now be required not less than 21 days apart, with the first one being taken at least 24 weeks before the event (World Athletics Championships or Olympics). For athletes competing in the 800m and above, combined events or race walking, tests should include at least one blood-based Athlete Biological Passport test and one EPO test (blood or urine).

“…As I said, the Olympic Games, World Championships, major sporting events are not possible without WADA, without WADA’s stamp, without WADA’s compliance regulations. So we are necessary to make these dreams come true. And I think it is very important from our side to work closely with the authorities here in India to help them to assist. We are not here to punish anyone.”, Banka said.