Global Anti-Doping Shake-Up: Nigeria and Kenya Dominate High-Risk Nations List
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced a significant reshuffle of its anti-doping risk classifications under Rule 15 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules. This move places a renewed spotlight on nations with persistent doping issues, with Nigeria and Kenya continuing to dominate the list of highest-risk federations.
India Elevated to Category A Amid Alarming Doping Record
In a notable development, India has been elevated from Category B to Category A, joining Nigeria, Kenya, Russia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Belarus, and Bahrain as the highest-risk nations for doping in athletics. The decision follows India's consistently alarming record of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) between 2022 and 2025.
According to data from the AIU, India ranked among the top two globally in ADRVs during this period:
- 48 violations in 2022 (second highest globally)
- 63 violations in 2023 (second highest globally)
- 71 violations in 2024 (first highest globally)
- 30 violations so far in 2025 (first highest globally, with final numbers pending)
AIU Chair David Howman stated: "The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk."
Nigeria and Kenya Remain Firmly in Highest Risk Category
Nigeria and Kenya continue to maintain their positions in Category A, subject to the most stringent testing obligations. These federations, along with Russia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Belarus, and now India, must meet minimum testing requirements for their national team athletes to compete internationally.
The AIU emphasized that these nations face enhanced scrutiny and testing protocols due to their historical and ongoing challenges with doping violations in athletics.
Bahrain Shows Progress Toward Category B Reclassification
While India enters Category A, Bahrain is on track to exit the highest-risk category. Following comprehensive reforms that include:
- Establishment of an independent national anti-doping organization
- Expanded testing pools for athletes
- Rigorous out-of-competition testing protocols
The Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) will be reclassified to Category B in 2027, provided current standards are maintained through 2026. Howman praised Bahrain's progress: "The BAA is to be congratulated on the vast improvement of the anti-doping situation in Bahrain."
Other Nations Face New Testing Requirements
Meanwhile, Botswana, Peru, and Cuba, though remaining in Category B, face new minimum testing obligations for major events due to inadequate testing levels. Athletes from these nations must undergo at least three out-of-competition tests before eligibility at competitions including:
- The World Relays in Gaborone
- The World Racewalking Championships in Brasilia
- The 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing
Rule 15 and Accountability Measures
Rule 15, introduced in 2019, empowers the AIU to hold national federations accountable for the robustness of their anti-doping programs. With India's inclusion, seven nations now stand in Category A, facing the most rigorous oversight and testing requirements in global athletics.
The AIU's classification system serves as a critical tool in the ongoing battle against doping in sports, ensuring that nations with inadequate anti-doping programs face consequences while those making genuine progress receive recognition for their efforts.
