India has ranked first globally in doping-related ineligible athletes, according to the latest list released by the Athletics Integrity Unit (as of April 1, 2026).
- India: 148 suspended athletes (highest globally)
- Kenya: 146 athletes (2nd position)
- Russia: 66 athletes (3rd position)
The list includes athletes banned for doping as well as non-doping violations such as evading tests, tampering, trafficking, or whereabouts failures.
Nature of Violations
The AIU list covers:
- Positive doping cases
- Non-doping violations, including:
- Tampering with samples
- Evading testing
- Trafficking banned substances
- Failure to report whereabouts
These violations carry penalties similar to doping offences.
Notable Indian Athletes in List
The list features several prominent Indian athletes:
- Dutee Chand: serving 4-year ban (since 2022)
- Parvej Khan: banned till 2030 (6-year suspension)
- Dhanalakshmi Sekar: serving 8-year ban (repeat offence)
Background: WADA Report 2024
According to the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) report (Dec 2025):
- India recorded 260 positive cases (highest globally)
- Based on 7,113 samples collected by National Anti Doping Agency
- Positivity rate: 3.6% (among highest globally)
Comparison:
- France: 91 cases
- Italy: 85 cases
- Russia & USA: 76 cases each
India was the only country with triple-digit doping violations.
Structural Changes in Indian Athletics
After the Paris Olympics 2024, the Athletics Federation of India:
- Decentralised national camps
- Limited central camps mainly to relay teams
- Elite athletes now train with private organisations (Reliance, JSW, Tatas) or government bodies (Army, Navy)
About Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU)
The Athletics Integrity Unit is:
- An independent anti-doping body under World Athletics
- Handles integrity issues in athletics globally
- First instance where a sport delegated full integrity management to an independent body
It has jurisdiction over:
- International-level athletes
- Athlete support personnel