New Delhi: India’s athletics body AFI has come under severe pressure after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) placed the country in the highest risk category for doping. This is because India has recorded the highest number of doping violations in recent years, even surpassing countries like Kenya. As a result, Indian players will now face stricter scrutiny and monitoring rules in international competitions.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has moved from category B (medium risk) to category A (highest risk). This means more frequent testing, including surprise checks and blood tests, will be required. The AIU has taken this decision after reviewing the high incidence of doping in India between 2022 and 2025.AIU Chair David Homan explained the concern, saying that the doping problem in India “has been a bigger threat for a long time” and that the system there is not strong enough to handle it. Athletes will now be required to meet stricter conditions, including multiple out-of-competition tests before major events such as the Olympics or World Championships.AFI accepted the decision and promised to improve the situation. “With continued collaboration with AIU, NADA and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, AFI is confident that India will overcome this challenge and be relegated from Category A soon,” the AFI was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The federation also stressed that doping harms sport and said it is working with agencies such as the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to improve awareness, testing and investigations. He even called for strict action against coaches and others involved, especially at the grassroots level.
