India is placed in the highest doping risk category by the Athletics Integrity Unit, triggering stricter testing rules. AIU chief David Howman cites “extremely high” violations and calls for urgent reforms.
AIU chief David Howman
Indian athletics has come under sharper global scrutiny after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) classified the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) as a ‘Category A’ federation, its highest risk bracket, citing an “extremely high” doping threat.
The decision, taken under World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, means Indian athletes will now be subject to stricter testing protocols, including mandatory minimum out-of-competition tests for national-level competitors.
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India’s rise to the top risk category follows a worrying trend in anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs). The country recorded 48 cases in 2022 and 63 in 2023, both years ranking second globally, before climbing to the top with 71 violations in 2024. So far in 2025, India has already reported 30 cases, retaining its position as the highest contributor.
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AIU Chair David Howman did not mince words while explaining the move.
“The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time, and the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is not proportionate to that risk. While the AFI has pushed for reforms, not enough has changed,” Howman said.
He added that the AIU will now work closely with the AFI to implement structural reforms and “safeguard the integrity of athletics,” similar to interventions carried out in other high-risk nations.
In contrast, the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) is set to move in the opposite direction. Following sustained reforms, Bahrain is expected to be downgraded from ‘Category A’ to ‘Category B’ by 2027, provided current measures remain in place.
Howman credited Bahrain’s progress to the establishment of an independent anti-doping body, expanded testing pools, no-notice out-of-competition testing, and stronger athlete education and monitoring systems.
The AIU has also tightened oversight on several ‘Category B’ federations, including Botswana, Peru, and Cuba, citing consistently low testing levels.
Athletes from these nations must now complete at least three out-of-competition tests to be eligible for major events such as the World Relays, Racewalking Championships, and the 2027 World Championships in Beijing.
According to Howman, these measures were introduced after repeated warnings were ignored and testing standards failed to keep pace with improving international performances.
For India, the ‘Category A’ tag is both a warning and an opportunity. While it highlights systemic gaps in anti-doping enforcement, it also brings increased global oversight and support aimed at long-term reform.
With stricter testing now in place and international pressure mounting, the focus will be on whether Indian athletics can clean up its system and restore credibility on the global stage.
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