ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has called for stronger action against the production of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), stating that India is currently the largest global hub for such illegal substances. WADA President Witold Bańka said coordinated efforts with law enforcement agencies are essential to dismantle supply networks and protect athletes’ health.
Bańka, speaking to AFP during a visit to New Delhi, said WADA is working closely with India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other agencies to disrupt criminal networks involved in the manufacturing and distribution of banned substances. He emphasized that tackling the supply chain is critical in addressing doping in sports.
WADA officials said the organization’s Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (GAIIN), launched in 2022, has strengthened international cooperation. With INTERPOL support, recent operations have led to hundreds of raids, dozens of illegal laboratories dismantled, and large quantities of PEDs seized worldwide.
WADA Head of Investigations Gunter Younger said efforts are shifting focus from athletes to criminal suppliers, coaches, and medical professionals involved in doping networks. He stressed the importance of intelligence-led investigations and stronger coordination with law enforcement agencies.
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According to WADA data, India recorded the highest number of doping violations globally for the third consecutive year. The country’s National Anti-Doping Agency collected over 7,000 samples in 2024, with hundreds returning positive results.
Despite concerns, Bańka said these figures alone do not determine a country’s eligibility to host major sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics. He added that the key factor is the effectiveness and transparency of the anti-doping system rather than raw statistics.
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