Cracking Down on Age Cheats in Indian Sports
Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025: India’s Push for Fair Play: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, aiming to combat the long-standing issue of age manipulation in sports. After 15 years, this code introduces tech-enabled verification, strict penalties, and a transparent system to ensure fair play and equal opportunity for genuine young athletes.
A Tech-Smart Age Verification System
The draft mandates athletes to submit three official documents during registration. Once verified, their age is digitally locked in a central national database to prevent tampering. Athletes will receive QR code-enabled ID cards, mandatory for participation in sports events, ensuring uniformity and accountability in age validation across India.
Medical Tests and Appeals: Science Meets Fairness
In case of disputes, scientific tests such as TW3 bone age scans, MRI, AI-based analysis, and dental/physical exams will be used to verify age. Athletes have the right to appeal through a two-tier system: first to a Regional Appellate Panel, and then to the Central Appeals Committee (CAC), whose decision will be final and binding.
Two Strikes and You’re Out—But There’s Hope
Penalties under NCAAFS are strict:
- First offence: 2-year ban and cancellation of medals or titles
- Second offence: Lifetime ban with potential legal prosecution
However, athletes have a 6-month amnesty window to voluntarily disclose correct age without penalty. They will be re-assigned to the appropriate age group based on performance, encouraging honest participation.
Integrity Officers and Whistle-blower Rewards
Every National Sports Federation (NSF) must appoint Integrity Officers to verify athlete documents, monitor compliance, and report violations. A secure whistle-blower platform will also be introduced, allowing anonymous reporting of age fraud. Valid tips will be rewarded, strengthening the system through community vigilance.
Data Protection and Nationwide Monitoring
All data will be secured under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and managed via a centralised digital portal. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry will monitor compliance across states and Union Territories, ensuring uniform enforcement and annual reporting from all federations.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025: India’s Push for Fair Play:
| Feature | Details |
| Draft Code Name | National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India |
| Major Update After | 15 years |
| Age Verification Tools | TW3, MRI, AI Bone Test, Dental Exams |
| Appeals Mechanism | Two-tier: Regional Panel → Central Appeals Committee |
| Penalty for 1st Offence | 2-year ban + loss of medals/titles |
| Penalty for 2nd Offence | Lifetime ban + legal consequences |
| Whistle-blower System | Yes, with reward and privacy protection |
| Legal Framework for Data | Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 |
| Implementing Agencies | NSFs, SAI, Integrity Officers |
