NDTL approved by WADA to manage Athlete Biological Passport

Why in news?

• Recently, India's National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) was approved by WADA to manage Athlete Biological Passport.
• Athlete Biological Passport:
  • An advanced anti-doping tool, which monitors an athlete's biological markers over time.
  • It analyzes variations in parameters such as blood and steroid profile
  • It helps ensure fair play in sports.

National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL):

• Established - Year 1990
• It was established as a dope control center under the Sports Authority of India.
• It was established with the aim of obtaining permanent recognition from the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for testing banned drugs in human sports.
• This laboratory received ISO/IEC 17025 certification in the year 2003, which was the eligibility criteria for applying for WADA certification.

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)

• Establishment - 24 November, 2005 (Under Society Registration Act 1860)
• Headquarters: - New Delhi
• It has been established for dope free sports in India.
• According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) its primary objectives:
  • Enforce anti-doping rules  
  • Promote education and research
  • Regulate dope control program
  • Create awareness about doping and its ill effects
• Collaborate with other national and international organizations, agencies and other anti-doping organizations etc.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

• WADA is an independent global anti-doping agency.
• Establishment - Year 1999
• Objective - To ensure development of education, scientific research, anti-doping capabilities
• 50 percent of its funding is done by various organizations of the International Olympic Committee, while the remaining 50 percent is funded by governments around the world.
• It is the global and supreme authority for all matters related to anti-doping activities in sports.
• In this context, India has the National Anti-Doping Agency, which works as an assistant to WADA.

What is doping?

• Doping is the intake of drugs by a player that enhance sports performance and which are prohibited.
• It includes cannabinoids, narcotics, stimulant hormones and metabolic modulators and other substances.