Question : DOPE TEST ON ATHLETES

(a) whether the Sports Authority of India (SAI) laboratory, established in 1991, conducted about 15,000 tests on athletes from that year to September 2008, of which about 750-800 were reported positive for banned drugs and the number of these athletes who tested positive, actually punished;

(b) whether action was not taken against all the athletes who tested positive;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government is contemplating the de-merger of National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala from the SAI;

(e) if so, the reasons therefor;

(f) the number of nutritionists, sports psychologists and qualified medical practitioners who have been on the pay roll of SAI from 2005 onwards to cater to the needs of Indian athletes; and

(g) the details of doping awareness programmes conducted by the Government/SAI and the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) since 2005?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (c): The Dope Control Centre (DCC) was established under the aegis of Sports Authority of India (SAI) in 1990. They conducted in-competition and out of competition dope tests. The details of the tests conducted by the DCC along with number of adverse analytical findings are given at the Annexure. The results received from the Dope Control Laboratory were forwarded to the concerned National Federations and Indian Olympic Association for further necessary action.

(d) & (e): A decision has been taken to de-merge Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala, from Sports Authority of India so as to enable it to function independently in the sphere of sports coaching.

(f) The number of Nutritionist, Sports psychologists and qualified medical practitioners in SAI is 1, 3 and 5 respectively.

(g) Awareness and educational programmes on doping have been run throughout the year by all the concerned agencies. Athletes are provided with list of banned substances published by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) from time to time and also apprised about the effects of such medicines.

Further, in the aftermath of the recent doping incidents, the Government has taken the following steps to curb the menace of doping in sports:-

i) Increasing the frequency of testing of Core probables undergoing training at various centres for London Olympics, 2012

ii) Surprise checking of rooms of Athletes, Coaches and Support Personnel at training institutes and surprise collection of samples.

iii) Distribution of educational materials related to dope related issues amongst Sportspersons, Coaches & Support Personnel

iv) Increase in Seminar/Workshops/Teaching Sessions with Athletes and Coaches.

v) Closer surveillance and vigilance on Coaches and Support Personnel through their Employers.