Published : 09 Sep 2026, 04:53 AM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:48 AM
India’s doping record is raising concerns as the country seeks to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
The Independent reports that the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) placed India in Category A in April, alongside Russia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria, citing an “extremely high” doping risk.
The World Anti-Doping Agency recorded 260 doping-related rule violations by Indian athletes in 2024. India also had a 3.6 percent positivity rate from 7,113 samples.
Athletes and officials told The Independent that limited awareness, poor coaching, and intense pressure to win are contributing to the problem.
The pressure is particularly high for athletes from poorer backgrounds, who can secure government jobs and financial rewards through international medals.
According to The Independent, AIU head Brett Clothier described India’s doping problem as “extremely serious” and said it was “highly decentralised and opportunistic”, rather than a state-backed system like Russia’s.
He called for greater government investment and structural reforms to strengthen India’s anti-doping system.
India’s Olympic ambitions have made the issue more pressing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a nationwide talent search aimed at developing athletes for the 2036 Games.
The country’s system has also faced scrutiny over the case of para-athlete Narayan Thakur, who was accused of doping after winning 100m gold at the 2018 Asian Para Games, The Independent reports.
Thakur said he had taken medicine prescribed by a Sports Authority of India doctor for a cough. An anti-doping panel cleared him in 2019 after he produced the prescription and receipt.
The case highlights concerns over athletes’ knowledge of prohibited substances and the risks of medical errors.
The Athletics Federation of India acknowledges doping remains an issue but says the situation is improving.
India has never hosted the Olympics and will need to address concerns over its anti-doping framework as it pursues the 2036 Games.
