India continued to dominate global anti-doping statistics in 2024, as the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) tested 7,113 samples, including 537 blood samples, and reported 260 adverse analytical findings (AAFs) at 3.6 per cent.
Moreover, this marked the third straight year India topped the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) charts, after recording 125 AAFs in 2022 and 213 in 2023.
The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi tested 7,651 samples in 2024 and returned 268 positive cases at 3.65 per cent, the highest among accredited laboratories worldwide. In addition, NDTL processed samples from neighbouring countries, which further boosted its figures.
Officials explained that the total number of Indian athletes sanctioned for anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) will only be clear once other agencies, including the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), release their data. Athletics once again led India’s doping statistics, with 76 positive cases from 1,852 samples at 3.7 per cent. By contrast, the AIU tested 9,701 samples globally and reported only 69 AAFs at 0.7 per cent.
Weightlifting and wrestling also revealed alarming trends. Weightlifting produced 43 positive cases from 664 samples at 6.5 per cent, while wrestling recorded 29 cases from 414 samples at seven percent.
NADA increased its testing numbers from 5,606 in 2023 to 7,113 in 2024, reflecting stepped-up vigilance. However, the rise in positive cases highlighted persistent misuse of performance-enhancing substances. Steroids accounted for 195 cases, stimulants for 45, peptide hormones for 43, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) such as EPO for 33.
Globally, France ranked second behind India with 91 AAFs, followed by Italy (85), Russia and the USA (76 each), and Germany (54). Furthermore, laboratories in Cologne, Paris, Seibersdorf, Beijing, and Lausanne tested the highest number of samples worldwide.
India’s continued lead in doping figures underscores both the scale of testing and the urgent need for stronger deterrents against performance-enhancing drugs.
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