India Athletics Federation Placed in Highest Anti-Doping Risk Category, Faces Stricter Testing

Indian athletes will now undergo stricter anti-doping checks after the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was placed in World Athletics’ highest-risk Category A by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). The move follows India ranking among the top countries for anti-doping rule violations between 2022 and 2025, prompting increased scrutiny and mandatory minimum testing requirements for national athletes.

AIU chairman David Howman said India’s doping situation has remained “high-risk” and that domestic anti-doping measures have not matched the scale of the problem. The federation, however, stated it is working with the AIU, the sports ministry, and the National Anti-Doping Agency to strengthen reforms and curb violations, with officials also calling for tougher action against illegal drug supply networks.

India has topped the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of offenders for three consecutive years, raising concerns as the country prepares to host major international events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and a bid for the 2036 Olympics. WADA officials recently warned that easy access to performance-enhancing drugs remains a serious issue, while Indian sports authorities say increased testing is leading to more detections.

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