The Indian delegation, led by Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), and Shri Anant Kumar, Director General of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), engaged with over 500 representatives from more than 190 States Parties. The meeting also included officials from the International Olympic Committee, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the African Union, and other international organizations.
Leadership Roles and Bureau Elections
Alongside India’s election as Vice-Chair, Azerbaijan was elected Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau. Brazil, Zambia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were also elected as Vice-Chairs for their respective regional groups. India additionally provided in-kind support by facilitating Interactive Boards showcasing the evolution and impact of the Anti-Doping Convention.
Focus on Governance, Compliance and Emerging Challenges
Discussions at COP10 emphasized enhancing governance and compliance under the Convention, financing the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and tackling emerging challenges such as gene manipulation, traditional pharmacopoeia, and ethical considerations in sport. The COP9 Bureau and Approval Committee reports highlighted the need for institutional coherence, strategic communication, and cross-sectoral integration.
India’s Key Contributions
India successfully proposed amendments aimed at harmonizing education-focused projects through the Values Education through Sport (VETS) approach. This initiative seeks to instill ethical values, integrity, and sportsmanship among youth, sports organizations, and society at large.
Impact on Clean Sport and Youth Engagement
The outcomes of COP10 will inform ongoing reforms to enhance the effectiveness and governance of the Convention. India’s role as Vice-Chairperson underlines its commitment to fostering a global sports environment that values integrity, transparency, and fair play. The VETS approach will also strengthen youth engagement and ensure ethical standards are embedded across all levels of sport.
The COP10 session concluded with reaffirmation of collective responsibility among States Parties to uphold anti-doping standards and ensure fair competition in all sporting events worldwide.