India has been re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) during the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, which took place from October 20–22, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
The session marked the 20th anniversary of the Convention and brought together representatives from over 190 States Parties and various international organisations to bolster global efforts to combat doping and promote integrity in sport.
The Indian delegation, headed by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director General Anant Kumar, actively participated in discussions with key stakeholders, including representatives from the African Union, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and other global partners, focusing on strengthening international cooperation in anti-doping initiatives.
During the session, Azerbaijan was elected as the chairperson of the COP10 Bureau, while Brazil, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia were selected as vice-chairs representing their respective regional groups.
India made a notable contribution to the COP10 proceedings by providing in-kind support in the form of interactive display boards, which highlighted the journey and achievements of the Anti-Doping Convention, showcasing its impact and milestones.
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The session saw participation from over 500 delegates, including government officials, anti-doping agencies, and members of UNESCO’s permanent delegations. Key discussions centred on critical issues such as governance reforms, financing the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and addressing emerging challenges in the anti-doping landscape, including gene manipulation, traditional pharmacopoeia, and ethical concerns in sport.
India also played a proactive role by proposing amendments to promote the integration of the Values Education through Sport (VETS) approach. This initiative aims to foster ethics, integrity, and fair play among youth and sports organisations, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct in sports globally.
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