India Tops List for Drug Test Failures in Sports: WADA Report

New Delhi witnessed 125 failed dope tests out of 3865 samples tested during the period..

Digital Desk: India has topped the charts for doping cases, recording the highest number of adverse findings among countries conducting more than 2000 tests, as per the 2022 Testing Figures Report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). 

New Delhi witnessed 125 failed dope tests out of 3865 samples tested during the period, representing 3.2% of the total samples, as revealed by WADA's late Wednesday report. Despite ranking 11th in the number of samples tested globally, India surpassed major sporting nations like Russia, USA, Italy, and France in doping violations.

Following India, South Africa stood second with 2.9% adverse findings from 2033 samples, while Kazakhstan claimed the third spot with 1.9% from 2174 samples. Norway and the USA tied for the fourth position, with the USA testing 6782 samples and Norway testing 2075, both experiencing a percentage of adverse findings.

On a global scale, China conducted the highest number of tests, at 19,228 during the period, with only 0.2% returning adverse findings. Germany followed suit with 13,653 samples, with a 0.3% positivity rate for banned substances. Notably, Russia, under suspension by the International Olympic Committee for repeated doping violations, tested 10,186 samples, showing an adverse analytical finding percentage of 0.8%.

Olivier Niggli, WADA's Director General, emphasised the importance of the Annual Testing Figures Report as a comprehensive overview of doping control samples. He expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of anti-doping tests, which are nearing pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the report's significance in facilitating collaboration among anti-doping organisations.

What is a dope test?

The purpose of the test is to determine whether psychoactive substances are present in biological material. Drugs classified as psychoactive alter the way the brain functions, resulting in modifications to mood, consciousness, thoughts, feelings, and conduct. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), doping control (testing) is one instrument used by Anti-Doping Organisations (ADOs) to maintain fair competition and safeguard clean sport.