World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Why in news?
WADA published its approved 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards on December 18, 2025, advancing global harmonization. The agency also enforced its 2025 Prohibited List effective January 1, 2025, and continues compliance reviews, including watchlists for NADOs like Iran and Sri Lanka.â€‹

Background

Established: 1999, headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
Nature: Independent international agency.
Governance: Equal partnership between the Olympic Movement and governments worldwide.
Funding: Shared by governments and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Objectives

Promote doping-free sport globally.
Develop, harmonize, and coordinate anti-doping rules across countries.
Conduct scientific research on performance-enhancing drugs.
Provide education and awareness programs for athletes.
Monitor compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC).

India & WADA

India has topped WADA’s list of anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) for the third consecutive year (2023–2025).
Sports most affected: Athletics, weightlifting, wrestling.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA): India’s domestic body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
This raises concerns for India’s 2030 Commonwealth Games and bid for 2036 Olympics.

Comparison Table

Feature	WADA	NADA (India)
Established	1999	2005
HQ	Montreal, Canada	New Delhi
Scope	Global	National
Key Role	Harmonize global anti-doping rules	Implement WADA Code in India
Funding	IOC + Governments	Govt. of India
Recent Issue	India topping ADRVs globally	Weak enforcement & athlete awareness

Challenges & Risks

High violation numbers damage India’s global sporting reputation.
Grassroots doping even in school/college-level sports.
Weak awareness and education among athletes.
Medical misuse of supplements and lack of proper guidance.
Risk of Olympic hosting bid rejection due to poor compliance.

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