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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Neeraj Chopra urges Indian athletes to avoid doping

Neeraj Chopra Highlights Doping as a Major Issue in Indian Sports, Urges Athletes to Avoid It

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has urged Indian athletes to steer clear of doping, expressing concern over the negative reputation that India has gained globally for drug use in sports.

Recent data shows a significant prevalence of doping in Indian sports. A 2022 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report revealed that India had the highest number of doping offenders in the world. Between January and December 2022, 125 out of 3,865 samples tested in India returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs), indicating they were positive for doping. India was the only country with more than 100 positive tests, and another WADA report ranked India as the second-worst nation for doping cases among minors.

Speaking to Lallantop, Chopra acknowledged doping as a major issue among Indian athletes, emphasizing the long-term damage it can cause to a career. He stated that once doping becomes a mindset, it becomes difficult for athletes to progress at the highest levels, as it undermines their long-term performance.

“They believe doping is the only way to improve performance, but that’s not true,” Chopra explained. “It’s hard work, self-belief, and proper coaching that propel success. Eating well, resting well, and working hard is key.”

Chopra cautioned that athletes who resort to doping face bans of 2-4 years after being caught in drug tests, which can effectively end their careers.

To address the issue, Chopra urged a shift in the mindset of athletes and called on coaches to prevent their athletes from doping. He stressed the importance of creating a healthy sports culture in India, free from doping.

“I urge coaches to not tell athletes that doping will help them. Keep them away from it,” Chopra said, emphasizing that an improvement in the situation would ultimately raise the standard of sports in the country.

Chopra also pointed out that talented young athletes often fall into the trap of doping after reaching a certain level in their careers, urging them to be cautious about their food and drink choices.

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