For an unprecedented third year in a row, India has been identified as the world's worst offender for doping in sports. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) released its annual report, confirming India's dubious position at the top of the global rankings for 2024.
A Dubious Hat-Trick of Violations
The report, published on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, revealed stark figures from India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Out of 7,113 urine and blood samples collected in 2024, a total of 260 returned positive results. This continues a troubling trend, as the world's most populous nation also held the top spot in 2022 and 2023.
The findings deliver a significant blow to India's sporting reputation, especially as the country gears up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This event is widely viewed as a critical test run for India's larger ambition of staging the 2036 Olympic Games.
Breakdown by Sport and Notable Cases
Athletics was the most affected discipline, accounting for 76 positive cases. It was followed by weightlifting with 43 violations and wrestling with 29 cases.
The report highlighted several high-profile incidents. In July, Reetika Hooda, an under-23 wrestling champion and Paris Olympics quarter-finalist, tested positive and received a provisional suspension. Furthermore, at the recent India University Games, reports emerged of athletes fleeing track and field events upon learning anti-doping officials were present, leaving just one competitor in some races.
Global Context and India's Response
Other nations on the 2024 list include France in second place with 91 positive cases, Italy third with 85, and Russia and the United States tied with 76 cases each. Germany and China followed with 54 and 43 cases respectively.
In response to the damning report, NADA defended its efforts. In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said, "In recent years, India has witnessed a significant strengthening of its anti-doping framework." NADA emphasized it has not only increased testing but also boosted education and awareness programs. The agency added that, as of December 16, 7,068 tests had been conducted in the current year, with 110 positives.
The WADA report follows earlier concerns raised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about rampant performance-enhancing drug use in India. The IOC urged the country to address the issue. Consequently, the Indian Olympic Association formed a new anti-doping panel in August, and the government passed a new national anti-doping bill aimed at enhancing enforcement and expanding testing facilities.
