India Re-Elected Vice-Chair of COP10 Bureau on Anti-Doping

India’s Leadership in Global Anti-Doping Governance

India Re-Elected Vice-Chair of COP10 Bureau on Anti-Doping: India has been re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau under the International Convention against Doping in Sport. The election took place at the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) held from 20–22 October 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This year’s session coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Convention — the only legally binding global framework that combats doping in sports.

Static GK fact: The International Convention against Doping in Sport was adopted by UNESCO in 2005 and entered into force in 2007.

India’s Representation at COP10

India’s delegation was led by Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), and Anant Kumar, Director General of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Over 190 State Parties participated in the event, alongside key organizations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the African Union.

India was re-elected as Vice-Chairperson for the Asia-Pacific region (Group IV) for the 2025–2027 term, reaffirming its role in global anti-doping policymaking and strengthening international cooperation.

Other Members of the COP10 Bureau

The newly elected Bureau of COP10 includes:

• Azerbaijan as Chairperson
• Brazil, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia as regional Vice-Chairs

This composition reflects an equitable representation of regions and shared commitment to global sports integrity.

Static GK Tip: UNESCO is headquartered in Paris, France, and India has been a member since 1946.

Key Highlights from COP10

More than 500 participants, including sports ministers, experts, and UNESCO delegates, discussed critical aspects of sports governance and doping control. Key agenda points included:

• Strengthening compliance and governance mechanisms
• Increasing funding for the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport
• Addressing new-age threats such as gene manipulation, misuse of traditional medicines, and ethical dilemmas in competitive sports

India actively contributed policy suggestions and also provided interactive displays highlighting the progress of the Anti-Doping Convention since its inception.

India’s Initiatives and Policy Proposals

India’s participation at COP10 extended beyond representation. It proposed the inclusion of Values Education through Sport (VETS) — an initiative to promote ethics, integrity, and fair play in sports. The approach focuses on:

• Encouraging youth engagement through values-based learning
• Building a clean sports culture
• Empowering sports organizations to uphold ethical practices

This proposal was widely appreciated and is expected to be integrated into global education-driven anti-doping initiatives.

Importance of India’s Re-Election

India’s re-election demonstrates its growing influence in international sports governance. It highlights the success of NADA India in enforcing anti-doping measures and aligns with the nation’s broader sports development missions — including the Fit India Movement and Khelo India schemes.

Static GK fact: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was established in 2005 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and functions under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

India’s continued leadership role reinforces its vision of ethical, transparent, and fair sporting practices, marking another milestone in its journey toward global sports integrity.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India Re-Elected Vice-Chair of COP10 Bureau on Anti-Doping: