India has recorded 78 doping cases till July 15, 2026, with Uttar Pradesh and Punjab emerging as the states with the highest number of violations, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. Responding to a question from BJP MP Sambit Patra, the minister said 78 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) have been reported this year under the National Anti-Doping Programme.
According to the minister, athletes found guilty of doping have been penalised in accordance with the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021. Depending on the severity of the offence, sanctions imposed by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel include disqualification of results, forfeiture of medals and prize money, suspension from sporting activities and other penalties prescribed under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
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State-wise data showed that Uttar Pradesh and Punjab recorded the highest number of doping cases with 13 each, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 11 and Karnataka with nine. Several states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim, reported no doping violations during the period.
The minister also highlighted India’s recent doping trends. The country recorded 213 violations in 2023, which increased to 260 in 2024 before dropping significantly to 131 cases in 2025. The lower number reported so far in 2026 reflects data available only until July 15.
Mandaviya said the government continues to strengthen anti-doping awareness through the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The agency conducts seminars, workshops, webinars, digital campaigns, outreach programmes and the Play True Campaign to educate athletes, coaches and support staff. NADA organised 220 awareness programmes in 2023, 280 in 2024, 343 in 2025 and another 220 programmes up to July 13 this year.
The minister also confirmed that proposals to establish additional dope-testing laboratories are under consideration, subject to accreditation and approval by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
