Archive · 22 Dec 2025
India Tops Global Doping List for Third Year
India has been named the country with the most doping cases in the world for the third year in a row.
In 2024, India had 260 athletes test positive for doping, which is more than countries like China, Germany, and France.
This is a big problem because it shows that doping is happening at all levels of sports in India, not just among top athletes.
Many people think that winning medals is very important because it can help athletes get good jobs.
This makes some athletes and coaches take shortcuts by using banned substances.
The sports that are most affected are track and field, weightlifting, and wrestling.
This is worrying because these are sports where India usually does well.
It's important for India to fix this problem so that its athletes can compete fairly and have a chance to host the 2036 Olympics.
India has topped the WADA global list of doping offenders for the third consecutive year with 260 positive cases in 2024.
The issue is systemic, involving unscrupulous coaches, athletes taking shortcuts, and gaps in anti-doping education.
Doping is prevalent at all levels, from elite athletes to junior and collegiate levels.
Track and field, weightlifting, and wrestling are the most affected sports.
The medal-at-all-costs mentality and the promise of government jobs for medal winners contribute to the problem.
- Who
- India
- What
- Topped the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) global list of offenders for the third consecutive year
- When
- 2024
- Where
- Global
- Why
- Due to systemic issues including unscrupulous coaches, athletes taking shortcuts, and lacunae in anti-doping education
Anti-Doping Measures
Athlete and Coach Practices
Systemic Issues
Anti-Doping Measures
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set up an anti-doping cell and made it mandatory for coaches to register to combat doping.
Athlete and Coach Practices
Unscrupulous coaches and athletes taking shortcuts contribute to the doping problem.
Government Incentives
Anti-Doping Measures
The government should focus on providing fair incentives that do not pressure athletes to dope.
Athlete and Coach Practices
The medal-at-all-costs mentality and the promise of government jobs for medal winners drive athletes to use banned substances.
- Country
- India
- Positive Cases in 2024
- 260
- WADA List Position
- 1
- Years in a Row at Top
- 3
- Sports Most Affected
- Track and Field, Weightlifting, Wrestling
- Notable Athletes Caught
- Shivpal Singh, Seema Punia, Pradhan Vilas Kirulakar, Sekar Dhanalakshmi, Manju Bala
- Anti-Doping Measures
- AFI set up anti-doping cell, mandatory coach registration
Sources
India is No 1 on global doping list. It must clean up
Recapping Indian Athletics In 2025: Neeraj Chopra Reaches New High; Rampant Doping Sinks India To New Low
Indian cricket calendar in 2026: From 3 ICC events to several bilateral series - List of matches men & women will play
