Representative photo (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: India’s athletics body AFI has come under severe pressure after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) placed the country in the highest doping risk category. This is because India has recorded the most doping violations in recent years, even overtaking countries like Kenya. As a result, Indian athletes will now face stricter testing and monitoring rules at international competitions.
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Jay Shah’s 2036 Olympics plan for India: ‘8 medals won’t cut it’The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has moved from category B (medium risk) to category A (highest risk). This means that more frequent testing, including surprise checks and blood tests, will be mandatory. The AIU took this decision after reviewing the high number of doping cases in India between 2022 and 2025.AIU president David Howman explained the concerns by saying that India’s doping problem “has been high risk for a long time” and that the system in place is not strong enough to handle it. Athletes will now have to meet stricter conditions, including several out-of-competition tests before major events such as the Olympics or World Championships.AFI accepted the decision and promised to improve the situation. As quoted by news agency PTI, AFI said, “With continued collaboration with AIU, NADA and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, AFI is confident that India will overcome this challenge and be removed from Category A soon.”The federation also stressed that doping is damaging to the sport and said it was working with agencies such as the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to improve awareness, testing and investigations. It has even enforced a stricter approach to coaches and others involved, especially at the grassroots level.
