The Government of India emphasizes ethical conduct as a key factor in the fair administration of the sporting disciplines and facilitates a safe environment free of harassment and discrimination for all stakeholders participating in sports, including the athletes, athlete support personnel, coaches, referees, officials, sports science and medical personnel, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, parents or guardians, as well as the office-bearers of the respective National Sports Federations (NSFs). It is also imperative for the sport that individuals observe the highest level of ethical conduct.

Further, the Government is committed to eradicate doping/drug abuse by sportspersons.  To this end, set up under Government of India, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), an autonomous organization, conducts Anti-Doping education awareness programmes in association with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as well as the National Sports Federations (NSFs), for all stakeholders, including the young athletes.

The details of the various initiatives taken by the Government in this regard are as under:

1. The recognized NSFs are eligible for financial and other support from the Government of India for development of the concerned sports disciplines.  The Annual Calendar of Training and Competitions (ACTC) mechanism whereby each NSF provides details of work done to this ministry and its plans for the coming year includes the component of various educational and awareness programs.
2. NADA has launched an Anti-Doping helpline for the athletes and athlete support personnel to provide information about Anti-Doping rules and guidelines. The Helpline number is: 1800-119-919. To report any drug abuse or Doping activities in sports, NADA also provides the “Speak Up!” portal, where is intended for athletes and others to report any alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs); non-compliance under the NADA Anti-Doping Rules; or, any act or omission that could undermine the Fight Against Doping in Sport. NADA also ensures maintenance of strict confidentiality of the informer and the information shared.
3. To help the competing athletes, need based awareness-cum-education material has been prepared by NADA in association with the NSFs. NADA has introduced mass awareness programmes for athletes to create awareness among athletes across the country about the Anti-Doping Rules and the ill effects of Doping. These programmes also spread awareness about ill effects of Doping on health and its consequences on athletes, thus facilitating implementation of Doping control by NSFs.
4. The Anti-Doping education programmes are conducted at various places across the country during the sporting events/training sessions at SAI Centres/SAI Training Centres, Physical Education Colleges/Universities, State Sports Associations and Services Sports Control Boards, etc.
5. NADA regularly releases information about Prohibited Substances as issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Doping Control hand books and information are disseminated amongst the sportspersons in the form of pamphlets in different regional languages during such awareness programmes. The awareness sessions cover key topics such as principles of strict liability, risks involved in the use of supplements, ethical values in sport, Dope Control process, health hazards and consequences of Doping, Therapeutic Use Exemptions and prohibited substances etc. A total of 169 such Anti-Doping awareness and education sessions/ workshops were organised by NADA in 2022-2023.
6. On 15^th June, 2022 detailed instructions have been issued by SAI to ensure safe and positive environment in Sport by making all stakeholders aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the core values of sportsmanship and appropriate moral conduct. The following measures have also been advised for compliance:-

• Woman coach to be a mandatory part of any contingent with female athletes during domestic/international camps and competition exposures.
• Compliance Officer to be appointed in all National Coaching Camps and Foreign Exposures for communicating regularly with athletes and others to ensure that the guidelines are being followed as well as enforced as per the Standard Operating Procedure on prevention of sexual harassment in sports and also ensuring reporting of violation to the responsible authorities.
• Pre-camp sensitization modules to be designed and presented to all athletes, coaches and support staff together before commencement of any National Coaching Camp and Foreign Exposure.
• Increasing the strength of women Coaches/Support Staff in National Coaching Camps by respective NSFs.

 

The reply was given by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur in Lok Sabha today.

 

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