(a) whether the Government is aware that some Athletes who are preparing for the Athens Olympic have been taking performance enhancing drugs that are banned by the International Olympics Committee as reported in the `Hindustan Times` dated June 18, 2004;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps the Government propose to take to check such malpractice?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SUNIL DUTT)
(a) No, Sir. No athlete has been found taking performance enhancing drugs.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) During the National Coaching Camps, athletes are educated about the prohibited substances and methods as notified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its harmful effects. An information guide in the form of a Directory on `Drugs in Sports` and Handbook on `Drugs Abuse in Sports` developed by the Lab Scientists are also circulated among sportspersons, coaches, doctors and athlete support personnel as part of the educational programme. List of banned drugs and placards for educating the players are also put in the rooms of the campers. Random checking of the rooms of the campers is also done to ensure that no banned drugs are being used. The Sports Medicine Doctor at Netaji Subash National Institute of Sports, Patiala and other Regional Centres of Sports Authority of India conduct lectures to educate the players not to use any banned drugs. Apart from the above, random tests are also done during coaching camps, selection trials, domestic competitions and prior to participation in International Competitions.