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India may have completed a dubious hat-trick by topping the doping charts in 2024 but the sports ministry is confident that increased testing and efforts at dissemination of information will gradually improve things.
As per the latest figures released by World Anti-Doping Agency, India conducted 7113 tests (6576 urine and 537 blood samples) in 2024 with 260 adverse analytical findings (AAF), accounting for a positivity rate of 3.6 percent. But ministry officials insist things are improving.
“From around 4000 tests in 2019 to more than 7000 tests in 2024, we are constantly working to address the issue. So far, we have already conducted more than 7000 tests this year as well with just 110 positive cases, which is just over one percent,” an official explained.
He admitted that government jobs were a big inducement for athletes to resort to short cuts. “Some of the violations are inadvertent, like taking an Over-The-Counter medicine without checking the ingredients first, but we are addressing that through apps like Know Your Medicine. But that would be perhaps just one percent of the AAFs. Desperation for jobs is a big factor.”
Khelo India Beach Games in Diu
The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games, meanwhile, will be held from January 5-10, 2026 at the Blue Flag Ghoghla Beach, Diu. The Games are expected to witness participation of more than 800 athletes across six competitive disciplines — soccer, volleyball, sepak takraw, Kabaddi, pencak silat and Open Water Swimming — along with two demonstration sports, mallakhamb and tug of war.
Sundays on Cycle anniversary
Marking the first anniversary of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle, the sports ministry will be unveiling the Fit India App which will help people earn carbon credits and eventually cash benefits. The 51st edition of the event on December 21 in Puducherry will have political and sports personalities participating.
Published – December 19, 2025 11:46 pm IST
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India actively addressing doping concerns: Sports Ministry
