India classified ‘high risk’ for doping, AIU imposes stricter Category A rules

Indian athletics has come under increased global scrutiny after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) placed the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in the highest-risk ‘Category A’ bracket for doping.

The classification, announced on April 20, 2026, follows a consistent rise in anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) in the country. India recorded 48 cases in 2022 and 63 in 2023, before topping the global list with 71 violations in 2024. The trend has continued in 2025, with 30 cases already reported.

Under the new classification, Indian athletes will face stricter anti-doping measures, including mandatory out-of-competition testing for national-level competitors. The move places India among a select group of nations under the most rigorous monitoring framework of World Athletics.

AIU Chair David Howman was direct in his assessment of the situation. “The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time, and the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is not proportionate to that risk,” he said. “While the AFI has pushed for reforms, not enough has changed.”

Increased oversight and push for structural reforms

The AIU has indicated it will work closely with Indian authorities to strengthen anti-doping systems and improve compliance. “The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of the sport of athletics,” Howman added.

The classification highlights systemic gaps in testing, monitoring and enforcement within Indian athletics. It also comes at a time when the country is aiming to strengthen its global sporting presence, including hosting major international events.

In contrast, countries like Bahrain are expected to be downgraded from Category A following improvements such as independent anti-doping bodies and expanded testing programmes.