World Athletics’ Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) placed India in Category A, the highest-risk bracket for doping, effective April 20, 2026.
India recorded alarming Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) over the past four years. The numbers include 48 in 2022, 63 in 2023, 71 in 2024, and 30 already in 2025. India ranked first globally in violations for 2024 and 2025. AIU officials warned that delayed reporting could push the 2025 figures even higher.
Category A status binds the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to stricter testing requirements under Rule 15 of World Athletics’ Anti-Doping Rules. AIU Chair David Howman said India’s domestic anti-doping programme has failed to match the scale of the problem. He confirmed that AIU will now work directly with AFI to enforce reforms.
The decision follows WADA President Witold Banka’s visit to India, where he raised concerns about easy access to performance-enhancing drugs. Banka even met senior police officials to discuss supply chain issues.
AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but argued that higher numbers reflect increased vigilance. He said AFI supports criminalising doping in India to deter offenders. “We are fighting it tooth and nail. The crooks and criminals doing it should be stopped by the police,” he said.
