Doping in Indian Sports and the Legal Framework Surrounding It

Doping remains one of the most critical issues undermining the integrity of sports in India. Despite continuous efforts by national and international agencies, the prevalence of performance-enhancing drug use among Indian athletes persists. This paper critically examines the doping scenario in Indian sports, focusing on systemic challenges, socio-economic factors, and the role of enforcement agencies. A significant portion of Indian athletes caught doping come from rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, raising questions about awareness and education surrounding banned substances. The study highlights the functions of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and its alignment with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. Further, it evaluates the effectiveness of existing legal mechanisms, including the National Sports Development Code and the proposed National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021, in curbing doping practices. Judicial precedents and case studies are analyzed to assess how legal interpretations have shaped anti-doping policy implementation. The paper also explores gaps in legislation and the enforcement ecosystem, emphasizing the need for better education, transparent testing procedures, and stricter penalties to foster a culture of clean sports. Through a multidisciplinary lens, combining legal analysis with socio-cultural insights, the study proposes reforms to strengthen India’s anti-doping framework and recommends a more athlete-centric approach to enforcement and rehabilitation.