Athletes to undergo mandatory dope test post lockdown: NADA

In this moment of crisis, athletes might use the situation as a cover to use banned substance. But National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) will not go easy on them.

According to a report in the Times of India, NADA has informed the National Sports Federations (NSFs) that their registered athletes will have to make themselves available for a mandatory dope test by its dope control officers before participating in any competitive meet post lockdown.

The lockdown, which was supposed to end on April 15, has now extended till May 3 to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

NSF's will also have to make sure that all of their staff, athletes, coaches will have to go through anti doping education programme for the year 2020-21. After all this, one of NADA's decision has made athletes and coaches unhappy which is that they have to pay from their pocket for these sessions. Though NSFs feel that it is NADA who should bear the cost if they want to catch the cheats and have denied bearing the cost.

Also read: AFI Planning Committee asks athletes to take advantage of Olympic postponement