India placed in World Athletics’ highest doping-risk category amid anti-doping concerns

Monaco: India’s athletics programme has come under sharper global scrutiny after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) moved the country into its highest risk classification for doping, a status that brings tighter compliance obligations and stricter testing requirements for Indian athletes.

The decision places India in Category A under World Athletics anti-doping regulations, a bracket reserved for member federations considered to pose the greatest risk to the integrity of the sport. The move follows years of concern over repeated anti-doping rule violations and questions around the effectiveness of domestic safeguards.

With the reclassification, Indian track and field athletes, particularly those competing at elite international events, will face enhanced out-of-competition testing, more rigorous monitoring and stricter eligibility conditions before appearing at major championships, including the Olympics and World Athletics events.

The AIU indicated the decision was shaped by India’s doping record over multiple years, during which the country remained among the worst offenders globally. The body also pointed to the need for stronger institutional reforms and a more robust anti-doping structure.

Under Category A obligations, the Athletics Federation of India will be required to maintain a more intensive testing programme, improve oversight systems and ensure national-level athletes meet stricter pre-event testing benchmarks. Certain athletes may also face additional biological passport and EPO screening depending on their discipline.

The classification does not amount to a suspension or ban, but it increases compliance pressure on Indian athletics and places the federation under greater international monitoring. It could also affect how India prepares athletes for major global competitions going forward.

The high-risk designation is subject to periodic review, though the AIU retains the authority to revise a federation’s status earlier if circumstances change. For now, the focus is likely to shift to whether Indian authorities can implement reforms quickly enough to restore confidence in the country’s anti-doping framework.