Monaco, April 20 (NationPress) Stricter anti-doping measures are now mandatory for Indian athletes following the Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) transition from 'Category B' to 'Category A' as per Rule 15 of the World Athletics' Anti-Doping Regulations. This action by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Board addresses the ongoing and extremely high doping risk in India, which has persistently been among the top two countries for the most Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in athletics from 2022 to 2025.

In 2022, India recorded 48 ADRVs, placing second; in 2023, the number rose to 63 ADRVs, still second; in 2024, it increased to 71 ADRVs, propelling India to first place; and for 2025, the current count stands at 30 ADRVs, keeping the country in first position.

According to the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, the AIU Board categorizes all Member Federations based on their doping risks. 'Category A' Federations, identified as the highest risk, are subjected to more stringent regulations, including mandatory testing requirements for their national team athletes.

“India's doping landscape has been precarious for an extended period, and regrettably, the effectiveness of the domestic anti-doping program does not match the high doping risk. Although the AFI has pushed for anti-doping reforms in India, substantial changes remain elusive. The AIU will collaborate with the AFI to implement reforms aimed at protecting the integrity of athletics, similar to our efforts with other 'Category A' Member Federations,” stated AIU Chair David Howman.

In contrast, Howman noted that the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) is set to be reclassified from 'Category A' to 'Category B' in 2027, provided that their ongoing reforms are upheld through 2026.

“The BAA deserves recognition for significantly enhancing the anti-doping conditions in Bahrain,” Howman remarked.

Among the notable advancements is the establishment of a new, independent Bahrain NADO, which has greatly broadened its national testing pool, introduced appropriate no-notice out-of-competition testing, and diligently tested Bahraini athletes residing abroad. The BAA has also launched effective performance monitoring and educational programs for athletes, along with thorough vetting for support personnel and measures to oversee athletes competing overseas.

“Maintaining these elevated standards in 2026 will enable the BAA to be recategorized in 2027 – our next World Championships year,” Howman added.

Additionally, 'Category B' Federations, including Botswana, Peru, and Cuba, are now obligated to satisfy minimum testing requirements for their athletes in specific events: the World Relays in Gaborone this May (for Botswanan athletes); the World Racewalking Championships in Brasília held earlier this month on April 12 (for Peruvian athletes); and the World Athletics Championships in Beijing 2027 (for athletes from Peru, Botswana, and Cuba).

Although these 'Category B' Federations are not currently labeled as 'high risk for doping', the AIU Board has mandated minimum testing protocols due to their national teams' historically insufficient testing levels.

“The introduction of minimum testing obligations for Botswana regarding the World Relays 2026 and the Beijing World Championships 2027 arises from a lack of adequate response to repeated alerts about low testing levels and a rise in performance at the international stage,” Howman clarified.

On the other hand, the Peruvian team was required to undergo minimal testing in 2024 for the Paris Olympics, prior to these requirements being lifted in 2025.

“However, we observed a complete regression in Peru's testing in 2025, nearly reverting to the testing levels that triggered the initial imposition of minimum testing obligations for the Paris Olympic Games,” disclosed the AIU Chair.

Simultaneously, leading up to last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Cuba had the highest ratio of athletes without any out-of-competition tests among the top 40 nations. Furthermore, there was a 50 percent decline in national-level testing compared to the period preceding the Paris Olympic Games.

All athletes from these teams must undergo a minimum of three out-of-competition tests before their respective events to qualify for competition.