Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a review meeting of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi on June 25, 2026, to assess its functioning, capabilities, and future roadmap. The meeting was attended by Ms. Shreyasi Singh (Shooter and Minister for Industries and Sports, Government of Bihar), Shri Hari Ranjan Rao (Secretary, Sports), senior ministry officers, National Sports Federations representatives, eminent scientists, and Dr. P. L. Sahu (Director & CEO (I/c) of NDTL).
Dr. Mandaviya announced that athletes participating in National Games and Khelo India competitions will undergo mandatory anti-doping awareness sessions, emphasizing preventive measures against doping and the need to create awareness at early career stages to promote clean sport and prevent inadvertent violations. The Minister announced that the 'Know Your Medicine' mobile application will be translated into regional languages to make anti-doping information accessible in local languages, helping athletes, coaches, and support personnel across India better understand prohibited substances and ensure informed decision-making.
Regarding international expansion, Dr. Mandaviya stated that efforts should be made to increase testing of samples from international athletes at NDTL, noting that the laboratory's growing technical capabilities and adherence to global standards position it to contribute more significantly to the international anti-doping ecosystem. The Minister emphasized that doping has emerged as a serious challenge for Indian sports and called for anti-doping awareness campaigns to be expanded to grassroots levels including villages, schools, colleges, and sporting institutions, stating that punishment alone cannot address the issue and a societal movement promoting clean sports is essential.
NDTL, India's only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, plays a key role in supporting the country's anti-doping program and has continuously enhanced its infrastructure, technical capabilities, and scientific expertise. The laboratory has supported major sporting events, worked on advanced testing methodologies such as Dried Blood Spot (DBS), and recently undertaken the synthesis of reference materials critical to anti-doping science, further strengthening testing capabilities and promoting fair play in sports.