They don146;t need no education

Policy says athletes should be taught about doping but it8217;s a blank slate in reality

The Indian sports establishment8217;s errors of omission and commission on doping are summed up by the lack of an accredited testing lab. But testing is the last resort to clean up sport; the work begins much earlier, in promoting a dope-free culture through awareness.

And our officials have failed spectacularly on that front. The Sports Ministry website lists the seven objectives for drug-free sports. But they are honoured more in the breach than the observance.

One of those guidelines is educating athletes on the harmful side-effects of the drugs they consume.

8216;8216;Awareness through education is the cheapest way to bring down cases of doping8217;8217;, says a senior national coach.

Logically, that education is provided through seminars and workshops on the perils of doping as part of an off-the-field programme during national camps and competitions. It exists only on paper.

Ask any national athlete, of any level, and reply will be the same: They were never exposed to any camp, or literature. In 2003, 23 junior lifters tested positive. So there is a need to start the education early as well. If the Sports Authority of India 8212; the nodal agency to check doping 8212; ignores its own code, it also violates the World Anti-Doping Agency in one key aspect. SAI screens athletes just before they go abroad for competitions, which WADA rules prohibit. SAI8217;s intentions are clear: They want to avoid embarrassment abroad. Their fig-leaf is calling it 8216;8216;random testing8217;8217;, which is permissible.

Ironically, for all its anti-doping programmes, the ministry makes funding available and how much is used for the right purposes. That8217;s why Nehru Stadium that houses the Dope Control Centre 8212; doesn8217;t even have a poster on the dangers of doping.

MISSION STATEMENT?

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The Sports Ministry8217;s aims and objectives to deal with doping. Makes sense? Go figure!

1 To have an IOC accredited Dope Control Centre DCC in India

2 To maintain quality control system as required by International standard, i.e., ISO:17025.

3 To educate sportspersons, coaches and other supporting personnel about the harmful effects of dope

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4 To test and develop the rationale for drug free sports and national anti-doping policy

5 To conduct in-competition and out-of-competition dope tests on sportspersons

6 To promote research and training

7 To harmonise the dope related regulations in tune with the World Anti Doping Code and the rules and regulations framed by the World Anti Doping Agency from time to time