New Delhi: The central government is likely to introduce the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Parliament during the upcoming Monsoon Session. The proposed law seeks to bring doping under the criminal category for the first time, making existing anti-doping rules considerably tougher than before.
Under the new framework, action will not be limited to athletes found guilty of doping. Drug suppliers, coaches, hostel administrations and others linked to the doping chain could also come under the ambit of the law. The government’s stated aim is to dismantle entire doping networks rather than only penalising individual sportspersons.
As per the draft provisions, anyone involved in supplying banned substances could face imprisonment of up to five years. The Sports Ministry had earlier placed the draft amendment on its official website seeking public feedback, and stakeholders were asked to submit their responses by June 18. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had indicated that the revised bill, incorporating public suggestions, is expected to be tabled during the Monsoon Session.
The draft also states that anyone who facilitates or contacts an athlete for the purpose of doping, or for any related objective, could face imprisonment along with a fine of up to two lakh rupees, or both. Mandaviya has repeatedly said at various forums that doping is no longer merely a sporting violation but has turned into an organised system that exploits athletes.
India has remained at the top of WADA’s list of doping violator countries for the past three years, a matter of serious concern especially as the country eyes hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The current proposal bears similarity to an earlier draft introduced in 2018, which had recommended four years of imprisonment along with a fine of two lakh rupees for organised networks and individuals supplying banned substances to athletes.
However, those provisions were dropped from the law that was eventually passed in 2022, and the Act was later amended last year. Under the new proposed amendments, medical professionals have also been brought under scrutiny. Doctors found knowingly prescribing banned substances, or found complicit in doping violations, could face legal action.
The government is expected to finalise the bill after reviewing stakeholder feedback ahead of the Monsoon Session.