The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) has already been set up by Government of India and is functioning with effect from 1.1.2009. This was stated by Shri Ajay Maken, Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Ravindra Kumar Pandey. It deals with all matters relating to doping in sports including dissemination of information, educating the sportspersons, coaches and support personnel on the ill-effects of doping through teaching sessions/seminars/workshops and organizing dope tests on athletes both in-competition and out-of-competition.
The Minister further stated that two independent panels (Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel and Anti Doping Appeal Panel) constituted in accordance with the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) Compliant Anti Doping Rules are in force since 1.1.2009. These panels conduct hearing of the athletes who have failed dope tests and violated the Anti-Doping Rules and, after impartial hearing, impose sanction on athletes as applicable under the Anti-Doping Rules of NADA. A Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee is also constituted for giving exemption to sportspersons for the use of medicines.
