India Hosts Regional Anti-Doping Intelligence Workshop to Boost Global Cooperation

In a significant move to strengthen the global fight against doping in sports, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India, with support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, hosted the second edition of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Intelligence & Investigations (I&I) Workshop from July 21 to 25, 2025 in New Delhi. This international gathering brought together leading anti-doping professionals, law enforcement agencies, and regional stakeholders, highlighting India’s growing role in promoting clean sport.

A High-Impact Regional Collaboration

Organized under the aegis of WADA in partnership with INTERPOL and Sport Integrity Australia, the workshop saw participation from National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and enforcement bodies across India, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines.

Over five intensive days, the workshop focused on enhancing regional collaboration and upskilling participants through comprehensive training on critical topics such as:

• Intelligence operations and strategic analysis

• Investigative methodologies and interviewing techniques

• Handling confidential sources

• Open-source intelligence gathering

• Building operational frameworks for cross-border cooperation

Building a Global Network for Fair Play

This event was the fourth in a series of WADA’s I&I Capability and Capacity Building workshops in Asia and Oceania, and the second to be hosted by India this year. It forms a core part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (GAIIN) initiative, aimed at bolstering global cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Speaking at the closing session, Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, underscored India’s commitment, stating:

“We deeply appreciate this initiative of WADA, organized in collaboration with INTERPOL and Sport Integrity Australia. Their expertise and commitment are strengthening this global effort to protect clean sport. India is proud to host this important initiative. It reflects our shared resolve to build robust intelligence and investigation capabilities across the anti-doping community.”

Shri Anant Kumar, Director General of NADA India, added:

“After the successful conduct of the first workshop in May this year, this second edition with delegates from ten South and Southeast Asian nations marks another milestone in enhancing regional anti-doping efforts.”

A Long-Term Vision for Clean Sport

Günter Younger, WADA Director of Intelligence & Investigations, emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting:

“WADA is pleased to return to India for the fourth workshop of the Intelligence & Investigations Capability and Capacity Building Project in Asia and Oceania. The workshops held in India are vital for fostering cooperation and improving intelligence-led efforts. We are confident that the impact of these sessions will resonate across the region, helping athletes compete on a level playing field.”

This initiative continues to serve as a model for international cooperation, providing a platform for developing best practices and fostering lasting ties between sports and law enforcement agencies.

What Lies Ahead

The success of the July workshop sets the stage for the final edition of the series, which is scheduled to be held in April 2026. India’s leadership in these global efforts not only reinforces its dedication to protecting athlete integrity but also strengthens its position as a responsible and proactive member of the international sports community.

By supporting initiatives like GAIIN and facilitating multi-agency coordination, India is contributing to a cleaner, fairer, and more transparent sporting ecosystem, both regionally and globally.