India has been re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Conference of Parties (COP10) Bureau to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport for the Asia-Pacific region (2025–2027). The re-election took place during the 10th Session of COP10, held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France.
Key Highlights
India’s Role:
- Re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau representing the Asia-Pacific region for the 2025–2027 term.
- India also provided in-kind support by supplying Interactive Boards showcasing the 20-year journey of the Anti-Doping Convention.
Other Elections at COP10 Bureau:
- Chairperson: Azerbaijan
- Vice-Chairs: Brazil, Zambia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (for their respective regional groups).
Conference Focus Areas:
- Strengthening governance of the Convention.
- Enhancing financing for the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport.
- Reviewing progress of member states and identifying emerging challenges.
Special Occasion:
- COP10 marked the 20th Anniversary of the International Convention against Doping in Sport, the world’s only legally binding global instrument to combat doping.
About International Convention against Doping in Sport
- Adopted: 19 October 2005 (33rd UNESCO General Conference)
- Came into Force: 1 February 2007
- Administered by: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
- Ratified by: 192 States Parties (including India)
- Second Most Ratified UNESCO Treaty (after the World Heritage Convention, 196 States Parties)
Objectives
- To harmonize global anti-doping standards and legislation.
- To ensure a level playing field for athletes by eliminating performance-enhancing drug use.
- To promote ethics, health, and integrity in sport.
- To align national measures with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA Code).
Key Features
Legal Framework:
- Obligates member countries to implement WADA’s Code through national legislation.
Global Cooperation:
- Promotes collaboration among governments, sports organizations, and laboratories.
Financial Mechanism:
- Establishes the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport — providing over USD 5 million to 200+ projects across 120+ countries since 2008.
Ethical Oversight:
- Monitors new doping threats such as gene editing and traditional pharmacopoeia misuse.
Educational Initiative:
- Implements Values Education through Sport (VETS) — using sport as a tool to teach integrity, teamwork, and respect.
Governance:
- The Conference of Parties (COP) is the sovereign decision-making body, meeting biennially.
- Elects a Bureau and Approval Committee to oversee compliance, funding, and implementation.
Significance
- Serves as the only global legal instrument against doping in sports.
- Strengthens international collaboration to uphold sports ethics and athlete health.
- Facilitates technical assistance, capacity building, and monitoring compliance among member nations.
- Reinforces trust, transparency, and fairness in international sporting events.
India’s Role and Contributions
- India has been actively participating in the implementation of the Convention since 2007.
- As Vice-Chair of the COP Bureau (2025–2027), India will:
- Represent the Asia-Pacific region in policy deliberations.
- Help formulate international strategies for anti-doping governance and awareness.
- Strengthen the capacity of developing nations to implement anti-doping frameworks.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
- Established: 2005
- Legal Status: Registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Mandate:
- To plan, coordinate, and implement anti-doping programs in India.
- To ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
- To conduct testing, results management, and athlete education programs.
Legal Framework
National Anti-Doping Act, 2022:
- Grants statutory status to NADA.
- Empowers NADA to enforce anti-doping rules, impose sanctions, and maintain a national registry of athletes.
- Aligns Indian law with the UNESCO Convention and WADA guidelines.
National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Act, 2025:
- Strengthens enforcement and accountability mechanisms.
- Introduces provisions for greater transparency in testing and appeals.
- Updates India’s framework in line with global anti-doping reforms.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
- Established: 1999
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
- Type: International independent foundation
- Mission: To promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against doping in sports globally.
- Key Function: Publishes the World Anti-Doping Code and Prohibited List (updated annually).
About UNESCO (Host Organization of the Convention)
- Full Form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
- Founded: 16 November 1945
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Members: 194 member states
- Director-General (as of 2025): Audrey Azoulay (France)
Key Mandates:
- Promoting education, science, and culture for sustainable development.
- Managing global conventions such as:
- World Heritage Convention (1972)
- Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003)
- International Convention against Doping in Sport (2005)
India’s Sports Governance Highlights
- Union Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Key Institutions:
- Sports Authority of India (SAI) – Established 1984; manages national training programs.
- NADA – Enforces anti-doping regulations.
- National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) – Accredited by WADA; conducts scientific testing.
- TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) – Supports elite athletes.
India’s Global Sports Commitments
Member of:
- UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport (since 2007)
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- WADA Foundation Board