India Re-Elected as Vice-Chair at UNESCO’s COP10 on Anti-Doping in Sport

India reaffirmed its global leadership in promoting integrity and fairness in sports by actively participating in the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, held from October 20–22, 2025, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The session, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Convention, brought together representatives from more than 190 States Parties, international organizations, and sports bodies committed to eliminating doping and promoting ethical conduct in sport.

India's Role and Representation

The Indian delegation was led by Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), and Shri Anant Kumar, Director General, National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Their participation underscored India's strong and consistent advocacy for clean sports, athlete welfare, and international collaboration in anti-doping initiatives.

In a major development, India was re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) for the term 2025–2027. This re-election reaffirms India's growing influence in the global sports governance landscape, particularly in the areas of transparency, anti-doping education, and ethical practices in sport. Azerbaijan was elected as the Chairperson of the Bureau, while Brazil, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia were elected as Vice-Chairs representing their respective regional groups.

India's Contributions to the COP10 Session

India extended in-kind support to the proceedings by facilitating the provision of interactive digital displays showcasing the two-decade journey of the International Convention against Doping in Sport. These displays highlighted global milestones, successful collaborations, and India's domestic initiatives under the National Anti-Doping Programme and the National Anti-Doping Act, 2021.

India also proposed amendments aimed at integrating Values Education through Sport (VETS)—a UNESCO-endorsed framework that emphasizes ethical behavior, fair play, and respect in sports. The proposal, which received strong support from several delegations, seeks to harmonize education-related projects under the Convention and promote anti-doping awareness at the grassroots level, particularly among young athletes.

Focus Areas and Global Discussions

The COP10 session saw over 500 delegates in attendance, including government representatives, international sports bodies, and anti-doping agencies. The discussions revolved around governance reforms, compliance monitoring, and sustainable financing of the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport.

Participants examined emerging challenges such as gene doping, misuse of traditional pharmacopoeia, and ethical issues in sport science. The growing complexity of performance enhancement technologies prompted renewed calls for research collaboration, athlete education, and information exchange between national anti-doping agencies and global organizations like WADA and UNESCO.

The session also reviewed the COP9 Bureau and Approval Committee reports, which emphasized the need for institutional coherence and stronger cross-sectoral integration to tackle doping-related threats. India's advocacy for transparency, education, and athlete-centric policies found broad resonance among participating nations.

India's Commitment to Clean and Fair Sport

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India has strengthened its domestic anti-doping framework through multiple initiatives. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has expanded its testing, training, and outreach programs, while the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) has been accredited by WADA for maintaining international standards of analysis and reporting.

Through partnerships with UNESCO and WADA, India has promoted anti-doping education in schools, colleges, and sports academies under its Play True, Play Safe initiative. The re-election to the COP Bureau reflects international recognition of India's proactive measures to ensure that sports remain a symbol of integrity and fair competition.

A Milestone for Global Sports Governance

The 20th anniversary of the International Convention against Doping in Sport served as a moment of reflection and renewal for the global anti-doping movement. Delegates reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening ethical foundations in sport and enhancing cooperation between governments and international organizations.

In her closing remarks, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, Gabriela Ramos, commended India and other member nations for their sustained commitment to the principles of fairness and inclusivity in global sport.

The outcomes of COP10 are expected to shape the reform process of the Convention, ensuring that it remains relevant amid technological advancements and evolving ethical challenges. For India, the event marks another milestone in its journey toward becoming a global hub for clean sport advocacy, values-based education, and athlete integrity.