Overview
- India’s federation was moved to Category A on Monday under World Athletics’ Rule 15 after the AIU board labeled the country an “extremely high” doping risk.
- Category A status brings minimum testing thresholds for national-team athletes, more no‑notice out‑of‑competition tests, pre‑competition blood screening for the Athlete Biological Passport, and testing responsibility even when athletes train abroad.
- AIU data shows 48 anti‑doping rule violations in 2022, 63 in 2023, 71 in 2024, and 30 reported so far for 2025, placing India among the top two each year.
- AFI said it will work with the National Anti‑Doping Agency and the sports ministry, backed by WADA’s push that included President Witold Banka meeting federal police to target performance‑enhancing drug supply chains.
- Tighter checks could affect athlete eligibility for major events, and the issue has been cited by IOC officials as a concern for India’s 2036 Olympic bid even as the country prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.