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Context:

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a nationwide campaign to strengthen the fight against doping in sports, urging the entire sporting community to use the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India's 'Know Your Medicine (KYM)' app to empower athletes with critical information.

Doping in Sports

Doping is the use of substances or techniques to improve an athlete's performance. These substances, known as performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), are banned in competitive sports because they give athletes an unfair advantage.

Common PEDs include anabolic steroids, diuretics, stimulants, and growth hormones. These substances may be used under strict medical supervision for specific conditions, but unsupervised use can pose serious health hazards.

PED use can cause cardiovascular problems (such as heart attacks and irregular heartbeats), respiratory issues, hormonal imbalances, mental health problems (such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation), and addiction. Long-term use can also cause infertility and other serious health issues.

What is the role of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?

WADA was established in 1999 to promote healthy sports and protect athletes' rights through the development and coordination of anti-doping policies around the world. 

It ensures compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and educates athletes on prohibited substances. 

WADA also publishes a list of prohibited substances and, when necessary, grants exemptions for medical use.

What is India's commitment to anti-doping?

India ratified the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sports in 2007. To meet its commitments, India established the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in 2009.

The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) is India's only laboratory authorized to test human urine and blood for doping. It is WADA-accredited and has completed numerous tests for national and international events.

What is the National Anti-Doping Agency?

In 2009, NADA was established as an autonomous body to regulate doping activities in sports under the Society Registration Act of 1860. 

Due to a lack of regulatory legislation, legal challenges arose. Sanctions were imposed without adequate back-up regulations. To address the challenges associated with doping in sport. The National Anti-Doping Act 2022 was passed.

 Key Provisions of the National Anti-Doping Act of 2022

• NADA was established to supervise anti-doping initiatives.
• International anti-doping conventions, such as those established by UNESCO, are legally enforced.
• There are provisions for testing, investigations, adjudication, and penalties for violations.
• Establishing a National Anti-Doping Board.

Powers of NADA under the Anti-Doping Act 2022

• Coordinating investigation and testing programs.
• Implementing anti-doping policies in all sports.
• Establishing committees and expert teams for investigations.
• Ensure that penalties and sanctions are effectively applied.

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NATIONAL ANTI-DOPING AGENCY (NADA)

Source: 

PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Critically analyze the ethical implications of doping in sports and discuss how it affects the integrity of competition. (150 words)