Why in news?

• Recently, the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021 related to the National Anti-Doping Agency and National Dope Testing Laboratory, pending for the last few years, was approved by the Lok Sabha.
• With the enactment of Anti-Doping Act, India has now joined the list of countries like America, China, Australia and Japan.

Salient Features of the Bill:

Doping Ban:

• The bill will completely ban doping in all sports, among athletes, athlete support personnel and other individuals.

Punishment for Violation:

• Violation of the anti-doping rule may result in disqualification of the player, which may include forfeiture of medals, points and prizes of that player, as well as disqualification for a specified period of time or for life .

Legal form:

• After the approval of the President, this agency will become a statutory body.
• The Central Government will appoint a Director General to chair it.

Its functions:

• To plan, implement and monitor anti-doping activities.
• Investigate violations of anti-doping regulations.
• Promoting anti-doping research.

National Anti-Doping Board:

• There is a provision for the establishment of a National Anti-Doping Board in the sports sector to comply with international commitments related to anti-doping, to regulate anti-doping measures and to implement the advisory recommendations of the government.
• This board will supervise and direct the activities of the agency.
• The Central Government will set up National Dope Testing Laboratories

What will be the benefits of the approval of the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021:

• The performance of Indian players at the international level will improve.
• Players can be made doping free.
• Dependence on other countries for players' doping tests will end.
• India's reputation in the world will increase.
• This will give strength to 'Selfreliant India'.
• The system of doping testing laboratories will be strengthened.

What is doping?

• Doping refers to drugs or drugs that are strictly prohibited for use by athletes in competitive sports.
• Its use not only affects the performance of the players, but also tarnishes the image of that country at the international level.

What is National Anti Doping Agency (NADA)?

• It is a responsible national organization that regulates, coordinates and monitors antidoping activities in all sports.
• This agency was formed on November 24, 2005 under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
• Presently its Chairman is Shri Nalin Kohli while Vice President is Shri Abhinav Mukherjee.
• Purpose- Enforcement of antidoping rules,
• Regulating dope control program,
• Promotion of education and research,
• To create awareness among the people about the cases related to doping.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA):

• This agency was established in the year 1999 by the International Olympic Committee
• Its headquarter is in Montreal, Canada.
• Current President- Craig Reedy (UK).
• Ensuring integrity, accountability and excellence are the core values of this agency.
• Its main functions are scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capabilities and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code.
• World Anti-Doping Code (Code)– This is the main document of anti-doping policies in all sports and countries.