NEW DELHI: India’s athletics body AFI has come under serious pressure after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) placed the country in the highest-risk category for doping. This happened because India recorded the most doping violations in recent years, even overtaking countries like Kenya. As a result, Indian athletes will now face stricter testing and monitoring rules in international competitions.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has been moved from Category B (medium risk) to Category A (highest risk). This means more frequent testing, including surprise checks and blood tests, will be mandatory. The AIU made this decision after reviewing India’s high number of doping cases between 2022 and 2025.AIU Chair David Howman explained the concern, saying the doping issue in India “has been high-risk for a long time” and that the system in place is not strong enough to handle it. Athletes will now need to meet stricter conditions, including multiple out-of-competition tests before major events like the Olympics or World Championships.The AFI has accepted the decision and promised to improve the situation. As quoted by news agency PTI, AFI said, “With continued collaboration with the AIU, NADA and the ministry of youth affairs and sports, AFI is confident that India will overcome the challenge and soon be removed from Category A.”The federation also stressed that doping harms the sport and said it has been working with agencies like National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to improve awareness, testing, and investigations. It even pushed for stricter action against coaches and others involved, especially at the grassroots level.
