World Athletics classifies India as extremely high doping risk nation

Key facts

• The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Board moved the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) from Category B to Category A under Rule 15 of World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.
• Category A is designated as the highest risk, Category B as medium risk, and Category C as low risk.
• India's Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) were 48 in 2022 (ranked 2nd), 63 in 2023 (ranked 2nd), 71 in 2024 (ranked 1st), and 30 in 2025 so far (ranked 1st).
• India topped the AIU list of ineligible athletes with 148 suspended athletes, surpassing Kenya.
• Under Rule 15.3.3, the AIU reviews each federation's category every three years.
• Category A federations must establish an Anti-Doping Monitoring Committee under Rule 15.5.3.
• Athletes from Category A federations must undergo at least three no-notice out-of-competition tests in the 10 months before the AIU deadline to participate in the Olympic Games or World Athletics Championships.
• Blood testing for Category A federations must follow the Athlete Biological Passport system as per World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines.