New Delhi, World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka expressed optimism about India's anti-doping efforts, despite the country topping the WADA's list of dope offenders for three consecutive years.
Banka acknowledged India's serious doping problem but praised the country's participation in INTERPOL-backed 'Operation Upstream' targeting global drug suppliers.
He noted that India has aspirations of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and the Olympics in 2036, which is not possible without WADA compliance.
Banka said that NADA has ramped up testing from about 4000 in 2019 to about 8000 in 2025, but it still remains low compared to countries like China.
He emphasized that increased testing and lowering positivity rate should not be confused with greater dope control, and that the focus should be on destroying those who are destroying athletes' lives.
Banka reiterated his position that doping should be criminalised, but made it clear that the focus should be on suppliers and enablers, not athletes.
