Daily News Analysis » National Anti-doping Bill 2021

National Anti-doping Bill 2021

This article will cover detailed information about National Anti-doping Bill 2021.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Loksabha passed the National Anti-Doping Bill 2021 by voice vote.

Key Points:

About National Anti-Doping Bill 2021
  • Objectives:
    • Building institutional capabilities in anti-doping and enabling the hosting of major sports events;
    • Protecting rights of all sportspersons;
    • Ensuring time-bound justice to athletes;
    • Enhancing cooperation among agencies in fighting doping in sports;
    • Reinforcing India’s commitment to international obligations for clean sports;
    • Independent mechanism for anti-doping adjudication;
  • Providing a statutory framework: The Bill seeks to provide a statutory framework for the functioning of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Dope Testing Laboratory in sports.
  • Monitoring anti-doping activities: Its functions include planning, implementing, and monitoring anti-doping activities.
  • Implementing International Convention: It also seeks to give effect to the UNESCO’s International Convention against doping in sports and compliance of such other obligations and commitments.
  • Prohibiting Doping: The legislation prohibits athletes, athlete support personnel, and other persons from engaging in doping in sports.
  • Violation of Anti-doping rules: Under the new legislation, violation of anti-doping rules may result in disqualification of results including forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes.
    • Further, it can lead to ineligibility to participate in a competition or event for a prescribed period, and financial sanctions.
  • National Board for Anti-Doping: The Bill proposes to establish the National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports.
    • It will make recommendations to the government on anti-doping regulations and compliance with international commitments on anti-doping.
What is Doping?
  • Doping is the consumption of certain prohibited substances by athletes to enhance performance.
  • India does not have an anti-doping law.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
  • WADA was set up under the International Olympic Committee in 1999.
  • It publishes the list of prohibited substances at least once a year and distributes it to all the signatories
  • It is recognized by the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport (2005).
  • It aims to develop, harmonise, and coordinate anti-doping regulations across all sports and countries.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
    • NADA was established as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in 2009.
  •  Functions of NADA include:
    • Implementing anti-doping rules as per World Anti-Doping Code
    • Regulating doping control programme
    • Conducting dope tests
News Source: PRS