Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired a review meeting of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi today to assess the functioning, capabilities, and future roadmap of the laboratory. 

Emphasising the importance of preventive measures against doping, Dr. Mandaviya stated that , “athletes participating in the National Games and Khelo India competitions will undergo mandatory anti-doping awareness sessions.”  

He outlined the need to create awareness among athletes at an early stage of their sporting careers to promote clean sport and safeguard them from inadvertent doping violations. 

Highlighting the need for wider public outreach, the Minister announced that the 'Know Your Medicine' mobile application will be translated into regional languages. He said that, “making anti-doping information available in local languages would help athletes, coaches, and support personnel across the country better understand prohibited substances and ensure informed decision-making.” 

Dr. Mandaviya also stressed the need to enhance the global footprint of NDTL and stated that, “efforts should be made to increase testing of samples from international athletes at the laboratory.” 

He noted that NDTL's growing technical capabilities and adherence to global standards position it to contribute more significantly to the international anti-doping ecosystem. 

The Union Minister also outlined that doping has emerged as a serious challenge for Indian sports and emphasised that awareness and education must complement enforcement measures. 

Dr. Mandaviya further called for anti-doping awareness campaigns to be expanded to the grassroots level, including villages, schools, colleges, and sporting institutions. He noted that punishment alone cannot address the issue and that a societal movement promoting clean sports and clean sportspersons is essential. 

NDTL, India's only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, plays a key role in supporting the country's anti-doping programme. The laboratory has continuously enhanced its infrastructure, technical capabilities, and scientific expertise, while contributing to anti-doping research and testing. 

The laboratory has also supported major sporting events, worked on advanced testing methodologies such as Dried Blood Spot (DBS), and recently undertaken the synthesis of reference materials critical to anti-doping science, further strengthening testing capabilities and promoting fair play in sports. 

The meeting was attended by Ms. Shreyasi Singh, Shooter and Hon'ble Minister for Industries and Sports, Government of Bihar; Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports); senior officers of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; representatives of National Sports Federations; eminent scientists; and Dr. P. L. Sahu, Director & CEO (I/c), National Dope Testing Laboratory.

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Ayushman Kumar

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