NDTL to be revamped after facing six months suspension by WADA

Just a few days after the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) suspended India’s National Dope Testling Labarotary (NDTL), Union Sports minister Hon’ble Kiren Rijiju has announced that a complete revamp is on the cards, admitting that "internal issues" affected its smooth functioning. WADA, by courtesy of a letter, dated on August 20, suspended India’s Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) for six months for not conforming to international norms.

Shedding light on the developments, in an exclusive chat with TOI, Kiren Rijiju revealed that he has sought additional funding of INR 4crores from finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman "to modernise the NDTL”.

”I had a review meeting (with the NDTL staff). I want to assure that all corrective measures will be taken. Since I am the chairman of the (NDTL's) governing body, I have already written a letter and personally spoken to Sitharaman ji for additional funding which is required urgently. We need around three to four crore to revamp the NDTL," he added.

The sports minister has also filed a nomination last month for becoming WADA's 'Foundation Board and Executive Committee' member and will contest for the post when the elections are held, later his year.

In the aftermath of the suspension, many in the government shares the sentiment that the lack of an Indian representative on the WADA Board weakened the NDTL's case as an Indian member would have provided resistance to any attempt by the world anti-doping body to suspend the lab's accreditation.

Rijiju, also confirmed that an appeal against the decision is on its way, and a government representative would soon travel to meet the WADA president (Sir Craig Reedie) and apprise him about the progress made.