India to Revise Anti-Doping Law to Align with WADA Requirements

The Indian government is set to present a revised National anti-doping law in Parliament, incorporating changes sought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The amended bill deletes provisions for government interference in the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and may include reduced athlete liability for doping violations. The changes aim to ensure WADA compliance and prevent a ban on Indian athletes. The bill will be presented alongside the National Sports Governance Bill, which seeks to streamline sports administration and increase athlete representation.

The Indian government is set to introduce a revised National Anti-Doping Law in Parliament, incorporating changes sought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The amended bill aims to address WADA's concerns regarding government interference in the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and may include reduced athlete liability for doping violations. The changes are intended to ensure WADA compliance and prevent a potential ban on Indian athletes. The bill will be presented alongside the National Sports Governance Bill, which seeks to streamline sports administration and increase athlete representation.

The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The bill seeks to enhance the operational independence of NADA and its appeal panel, ensuring autonomy in their decisions related to operations, investigations, and enforcement activities [1]. The original 2022 act, which was not implemented due to WADA's objections, included provisions that gave the National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports authority over NADA. The amended bill removes these provisions, aligning with WADA's requirements [2].

The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, also introduced on the same day, aims to align Indian sports governance with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters. The bill proposes the establishment of Athletes’ Committees within national sports federations, giving sportspersons a platform to voice concerns and influence decisions. It also mandates that two sportspersons of outstanding merit must be part of the Executive Committees of these bodies [3].

The revised anti-doping law and the sports governance bill are expected to address the concerns raised by WADA and promote a more streamlined and athlete-focused approach to sports governance in India.

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/anti-doping-amendment-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-by-sports-minister-mansukh-mandaviya/articleshow/122857650.cms
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/parliament-live-news-amended-anti-doping-bill-to-be-tabled-in-parliament-amid-wada-concerns-125072300273_1.html
[3] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/sports-governance-anti-doping-bills-introduced-in-lok-sabha-amid-opposition-uproar/