India's Athletics Federation Reclassified to Category A for Doping

The Athletics Integrity Unit announced on Monday that it has reclassified India's Athletics Federation from a medium-risk Category B to the highest-risk Category A status due to persistent high levels of doping violations in the sport, imposing stricter testing requirements on national team athletes.

The decision, made under Rule 15 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, stems from India's consistent ranking among the top two nations for Anti-Doping Rule Violations in athletics from 2022 to 2025. According to the unit, India recorded 48 violations in 2022, placing second; 63 in 2023, again second; 71 in 2024, taking first; and 30 so far in 2025, maintaining the top spot. This places India ahead of nations like Kenya on the unit's list of ineligible athletes, with 148 suspensions related to doping.

Category A federations face enhanced obligations to ensure effective anti-doping programs, including documented annual testing that meets international standards. National team athletes not already in the global registered testing pool must undergo adequate testing, determined individually by the unit. For eligibility in major events like the World Athletics Championships or...