Why in the news?

• The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), India, recently concluded its #PlayTrue Campaign, commemorating WADA’s Play True Day.
• The campaign aimed to raise awareness about clean sport and anti-doping practices across India.

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA):

• Established in November 2005 by the Government of India with the objective of ensuring dope-free sports.
• Formed as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
• Functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• It follows the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) and the Prohibited List published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
• Primary functions include:

1. Conducting In-Competition and Out-of-Competition dope testing of athletes across various sports disciplines.
2. Educating athletes, coaches, and support personnel about the dangers of doping and the importance of clean sports through awareness programs and workshops.
3. Implementing a robust anti-doping policy framework in line with international standards.
4. Investigating and prosecuting anti-doping rule violations in accordance with the WADA Code.
5. Collaborating with international anti-doping organizations and agencies to ensure harmonization of anti-doping efforts globally.
6. Providing support and guidance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), State Sports Associations (SSAs), and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective anti-doping measures.

Key Function: Dope Testing

• NADA conducts both in-competition and out-of-competition dope testing of athletes participating in various national and international sports events.
• NADA employs trained Doping Control Officers (DCOs) who are responsible for conducting dope testing at sports events and collecting samples from athletes.
• These officers are trained to adhere to international standards and protocols during sample collection.
• NADA works towards ensuring compliance with the WADA Code and the National Anti-Doping Rules by all stakeholders involved in Indian sports, including athletes, coaches, NSFs, and SSAs.

Allowed Substances and Methods:

• Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs): Athletes can apply for TUEs to use otherwise prohibited substances for legitimate medical reasons. TUEs are granted based on the assessment of medical documentation by anti-doping authorities.
• Specified Substances: Some substances, such as certain beta-2 agonists and glucocorticoids, are permitted in specific dosages or routes of administration and may require a TUE depending on the circumstances.
• PROHIBITED:  Prohibited substances and methods include anabolic agents, peptide hormones, beta-2 agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, diuretics, stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, glucocorticoids, beta blockers, blood doping, and gene doping.

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