The National Anti-Doping Bill 2021

• 22 Dec 2021

Recently, the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha.

It seeks to prohibit doping in sports and establish a National Anti-Doping Agency, which will replace the existing National Anti-Doping Agency.

Key Features

Prohibition of Doping

• Prohibits athletes, athlete support personnel and other persons from engaging in doping in sport.
• Support personnel include the coach, trainer, manager, team staff, medical personnel, and other persons working with or treating or assisting an athlete.

National Anti-Doping Agency

• The Bill provides for constituting this National Anti-Doping Agency as a body corporate.
• It will be headed by a Director General appointed by the central government.
• Functions of the Agency include: (i) planning, implementing, and monitoring anti-doping activities, (ii) investigating anti-doping rule violations, and (iii) promoting anti-doping research.

National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports

• It establishes a National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports to make recommendations to the government on anti-doping regulation and compliance of international commitments on anti-doping.
• The Board will oversee the activities of the Agency and issue directions to it.
• The Board will consist of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the central government.

Exemptions

• If any athlete requires a prohibited substance or method due to a medical condition, they may apply to the National Anti-Doping Agency for a therapeutic use exemption.

Consequences of Violations

• Anti-doping rule violation by an individual athlete or athlete support personnel may result in: (i) disqualification of results including forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes, (ii) ineligibility to participate in a competition or event for a prescribed period, (iii) financial sanctions, and (iv other consequences as may be prescribed.

Dope Testing Laboratories

• The existing National Dope Testing Laboratory will be deemed to be the principal dope testing laboratory.
• The central government may establish more National Dope Testing Laboratories.