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India has topped the world for doping violations for three consecutive years - 2022, 2023 and 2024. The number of cases has nearly doubled, rising from 125 to 260, with athletics accounting for the highest share.

In April 2026, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) placed India in Category A - the highest-risk classification for doping, alongside Russia and Kenya.

Despite the alarming trend, NADA's budget has fallen from ₹24.30 crore to around ₹20.3 crore in the 2025–26 Revised Estimates, even as India's overall sports budget has crossed ₹4,400 crore.

In this video, The Bridge explains why doping cases continue to rise, what NADA actually does, and whether India needs tougher measures, including criminalising the supply chain behind banned substances.

Watch here: