India Tops Global Doping Violations for Third Straight Year

India has once again emerged as the world’s worst offender in doping violations, topping the global list for the third consecutive year, according to the latest World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report. The findings have raised serious concerns as the country intensifies efforts to host major international sporting events, including future Commonwealth Games and a potential Olympic bid.

WADA Report and Key Numbers

The WADA report revealed that Indian athletes were involved in 260 doping cases in 2024, the highest number recorded by any country worldwide. These cases were identified as adverse analytical findings (AAFs), giving India a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent. This rate was the highest among nations that conducted more than 5,000 doping tests during the year. The report, published on WADA’s official website, confirms India’s continued position at the top of the global doping charts.

Testing Data and NADA’s Role

India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducted 7,113 tests in 2024, including 6,576 urine samples and 537 blood samples. Of these, 253 urine samples and seven blood samples returned positive results. NADA has attributed the high numbers to a more aggressive and expanded testing programme. In 2023, 213 positive cases were recorded from 5,606 samples, indicating a sharp rise in both testing volume and detected violations.

Global Comparison and Sporting Impact

When compared internationally, India’s positivity rate remains significantly higher than other leading sporting nations. France recorded 91 violations from 11,744 tests, Russia 76 from 10,514 tests, and China just 43 positives from over 24,000 samples. The United States, despite conducting fewer tests than India, reported a lower positivity rate of 1.1 per cent. These contrasts have highlighted systemic issues within India’s sporting ecosystem.

What to Note for Exams?

• India recorded 260 doping cases in 2024, highest globally.
• The positivity rate stood at 3.6 per cent.
• NADA conducted over 7,100 tests during the year.
• WADA publishes annual global anti-doping reports.

Implications for India’s Sporting Ambitions

The report comes at a sensitive time, as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pushes for the 2036 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee has already flagged concerns over widespread doping during discussions with Indian officials. While authorities have introduced new legislation and formed dedicated anti-doping panels, the findings underline the urgent need for stronger education, scientific support systems, and accountability across Indian sport.