India classified ‘high risk’ for doping, faces stricter global testing norms
Monaco, April 20: Indian athletics has been placed under heightened global surveillance after the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was moved to ‘Category A’—the highest risk classification—by World Athletics under its anti-doping framework.
The decision, taken by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), reflects what it described as a persistently high incidence of doping violations in India and gaps in the domestic anti-doping response.
Sustained rise in violations
Data released by the AIU indicates that India has consistently ranked among the countries with the highest number of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in athletics over the past four years.
In 2022, India recorded 48 violations, placing second globally. The number rose to 63 in 2023, again ranking second. In 2024, the figure increased to 71, placing India at the top. As of 2025, 30 violations have already been reported, maintaining its position.
The AIU noted that these figures point to an “extremely high” doping risk, prompting the reclassification.
Stricter compliance requirements
Under Rule 15 of World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules, ‘Category A’ federations are subject to enhanced oversight. This includes mandatory minimum testing levels, particularly out-of-competition tests for elite athletes, and stricter monitoring of national programmes.
AIU Chair David Howman said the current anti-doping measures in India are not proportionate to the scale of the problem. He indicated that while the AFI has called for reforms, implementation has been limited.
The AIU is expected to work with Indian authorities to strengthen testing, compliance, and education mechanisms.
Contrast with Bahrain’s reforms
In contrast, the Bahrain Athletics Association has shown measurable improvement and is set to move from ‘Category A’ to ‘Category B’ in 2027, subject to continued compliance.
The AIU cited structural reforms in Bahrain, including the establishment of an independent national anti-doping organisation, expansion of testing pools, and improved monitoring of athletes training abroad. Education programmes and stricter oversight of support staff were also highlighted.
Monitoring gaps in other federations
The AIU has also raised concerns about testing levels in several ‘Category B’ federations, including Botswana, Peru, and Cuba.
Athletes from these countries will now be required to undergo a minimum of three out-of-competition tests before participating in key events such as the World Relays and the World Athletics Championships.
In Peru’s case, testing levels improved temporarily ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 but declined again in 2025. Cuba, meanwhile, recorded a significant drop in national-level testing prior to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo, with a notable proportion of athletes lacking adequate out-of-competition tests.
Implications for India
The reclassification places additional administrative and operational demands on Indian athletics. Athletes may face more frequent testing schedules, while the federation will be required to demonstrate compliance with stricter international benchmarks.
The move is also likely to increase scrutiny of domestic anti-doping systems, including testing coverage, athlete education, and enforcement processes.
The AIU’s decision underscores growing concern over doping trends in global athletics, with India now at the centre of that scrutiny. The effectiveness of forthcoming reforms will determine whether the country can reduce violations and eventually move to a lower-risk category.
Our Final Thoughts
India’s placement in ‘Category A’ reflects a pattern that has been visible in data for several years. The consistent rise in doping violations suggests systemic shortcomings rather than isolated incidents. Addressing this will require more than increased testing; it calls for structural reform across institutions involved in athlete development and regulation. Strengthening education at the grassroots level, ensuring accountability among coaches and support staff, and improving coordination between agencies will be essential. The experience of countries like Bahrain indicates that sustained, institutional changes can yield results over time. For India, the immediate challenge will be to align its domestic anti-doping efforts with global expectations. The longer-term objective must be to restore credibility and ensure that performance gains are achieved within a clean and transparent framework.