NEW DELHI: Indian athletes will no longer face the possibility of being imprisoned or fined heavily for alleged participation in dope-related activities.
The clause in the ‘National Anti-Doping Bill 2018’, which mandated imprisonment of up to four years or fine of up to Rs 10 lakh on a sportsperson involved with an organised doping syndicate, has been removed after the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) objected to it, TOI has learned.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has made some amendments to the proposed anti-doping legislation and the revised draft of the bill has been circulated among various stakeholders, including the sports ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The decision was taken as some substances prohibited for athletes can legally be purchased and consumed. Their performance-enhancing effect would be illegal in sports but would not stand the general implications of a criminal act for wider consultation.
The legislation was in abeyance for more than a year. The punishment for athletes and coaches found involved in doping will be decided as per Wada’s existing code. The revised draft has tried to address the ambiguity surrounding criminalisation on the part of athletes and coaches.