Mandaviya Affirms India's Commitment to Clean Sports After WADA Meeting
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New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized India's increasing focus on clean sports and enhanced anti-doping strategies during his meeting with Witold Banka, the President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
"I had a fruitful discussion with Mr. Witold Banka in New Delhi today," Mandaviya shared on X, providing insights into their meeting.
He reaffirmed India's dedication to clean sports, stating, "Under the guidance of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is devoted to cultivating a robust culture of clean sports, where the genuine essence of competition is protected."
Banka stressed the significance of ongoing collaboration, pointing out that their discussions aimed at enhancing anti-doping efforts in India and ensuring effective practices that adhere to international standards.
"It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Minister of Labour and Employment of India. We discussed the advancement of anti-doping initiatives and reinforced the integrity of sports in India, underscoring the need for sustained progress and effective execution in accordance with global benchmarks," he posted on X.
Previously, the WADA chief engaged with senior officials from India’s leading investigative body, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to boost cooperation in combating doping offenses.
"An essential meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, Special Director of the CBI, took place in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we highlighted the need for close collaboration with law enforcement to address organized doping and the criminal networks associated with it," Bańka noted on X.
Last year, India was identified as a significant concern in the global anti-doping landscape, ranking second in a decade-long study by WADA.
It also recorded the highest incidence of doping violations for the third consecutive year. With a positivity rate of 3.6%, India accounted for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the largest among major sporting nations.
Mandaviya has persistently reiterated the government's commitment to enforcing strict measures against doping. In a recent Parliament session, he emphasized that enforcement initiatives are being reinforced, with agencies like the CBI being engaged to enhance the intelligence and investigative capabilities of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).