World Anti-Doping Agency names India worst drugs cheats for third straight year
France are next on the list in 2024, with Italy third, followed by Russia and the United States, and then Germany and China
India has topped the rankings of global sports drug cheats for a third straight year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) said, marking a dubious hat-trick for the country.
India’s National Anti Doping Agency (Nada) collected 7,113 urine and blood samples, out of which 260 tested positive in 2024, the international watchdog said in its annual report published late on Tuesday.
The findings are a major blow to India, which is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games – an event seen as a stepping stone for the country’s ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics.
Athletics (76) had the highest number of doping cases last year, followed by weightlifting (43) and wrestling (29).
In July, under-23 wrestling champion and Paris Olympics quarter-finalist Reetika Hooda tested positive and was provisionally suspended.
At India’s University Games earlier this month, there were reports of just one athlete showing up for some track and field events after others fled because of the presence of anti-doping officials.