India Proposes Jail Time for Doping Traffickers

Why this is here: The proposed law extends criminal liability to coaches, doctors, managers, and suppliers involved in doping, not just the athletes themselves.

The Indian government proposes up to ten years in jail and fines of roughly 500,000 rupees for people trafficking banned substances to athletes. The sports ministry released proposed amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, shifting focus from athlete suspensions to criminal prosecution of those supplying drugs. These changes aim to protect clean athletes and disrupt commercial exploitation within sports.

The amendments specify penalties for selling or prescribing prohibited substances, with harsher punishments for trafficking to minors or operating as part of an organized crime syndicate. Athletes testing positive will still face existing anti-doping procedures through the National Anti-Doping Agency. The proposed law includes protections for athletes with valid medical exemptions and doctors in emergencies.

Currently, it is unclear which agency will lead prosecutions. The sports ministry seeks public feedback on the amendments before presenting the bill to Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session. India has been a leading country in doping violations for the past three years, raising concerns from the World Anti-Doping Agency.