Indian athletes will now adhere to more stringent anti-doping measures following the Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) placement into World Athletics' highest-risk category. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) moved the AFI from Category B to Category A, citing India's high number of anti-doping rule violations between 2022 and 2025. Category A federations are subject to stricter obligations, including minimum testing thresholds for national-team athletes.
AIU Chairman David Howman stated the doping situation in India has been high-risk for a prolonged period, with domestic anti-doping programs not adequately matching the risk level. He added that while the AFI has pushed for reforms, insufficient changes have occurred. The AIU will collaborate with the AFI to implement reforms aimed at safeguarding the sport's integrity.
India, set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bidding for the 2036 Olympics, has also led the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of doping offenders for three consecutive years. WADA President Witold Banka recently highlighted the serious issue of performance-enhancing drug availability in India and sought federal police assistance in disrupting supply chains.
AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla confirmed the federation is working with the AIU, the sports ministry, and India's National Anti-Doping Agency. He noted that increased testing leads to more athletes being caught and expressed the AFI's commitment to fighting doping, advocating for the criminalization of the offense and police intervention against those involved.