THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI VIKRAM VERMA)
(a) Some Indian athletes have, of late, tested positive for banned substances.
(b) & (c): Government is making serious efforts to prevent the menace of drugs, still a few cases of Indian Athletes having tested positive for banned substances have come to light in the recent past during national/international competitions, as per details given below:
i) A total of 5 sports person have tested positive for banned substances in international tournaments.
ii) During National Championships a total of 108 sportspersons were found positive for banned substances, as stated under:
Year Number of sportspersons tested positive for banned substances
2000 - 14
2001 - 35 (including 19 who tested positive during Punjab National Games)
2002 - 29 (including 22 who tested positive during Hyderabad National Games, 2002)
2003 - 30
(d) It is, primarily, the responsibility of the Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations (NSFs) being disciplinary authorities, to take action against the sportspersons testing positive for banned substances, as per IOC code or code/regulations
of the concerned International Federations. However, the Sports Authority of India has taken a lead and made serious efforts to keep away our sports persons from use of any kind of prohibited drugs, as per details given below:
1. During the coaching camps, strict instructions have been given to the coaches, attached with the campers to educate and regularly counsel the players about the banned drugs.
2. Apart from this, the Sports medicine doctors at NS NIS, Patiala and other regional centres conduct lectures, where camps are being held, to educate the players not to use any banned drugs.
3. At the time of commencement of the camp, each player had been provided with documents, brochures about banned substances.
4. The list of banned drugs and placards for education of players are put in the rooms of the campers.
5. Rooms and belongings of the players are also searched and checked at regular periodicity to see that no banned drugs are used testing the urine sample of sportspersons during the coaching camps at random.
6. Sportspersons who have been found positive for banned substances, have been removed from the camp/SAI Schemes, where the information is available and action has been initiated against their coaches also, if found, guilty.
7. Apart from above, efforts are being made for permanent accreditation of SAI Dope Control Centre of New Delhi. ISO-9001 certification has already been obtained. Process for ISO-17025 certification is underway and thereafter application will be moved for permanent accreditation.
8. In-competition, out-of-competition testing and testing before participation in an international tournament abroad is being done.
9. Drug Controller General of India had been requested to issue instructions to all concerned to ensure that no drugs are dispensed in and around sports establishments and sports training centres without valid prescriptions from the Sports Medicine Officer.
