Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju holds meeting with WADA President Witold Banka, reiterates India's commitment to clean sport

File Photo (PTI)

New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju held an online meeting with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Banka on Wednesday (September 8, 2020) and reiterated India's commitment towards promoting Clean Sports.

Speaking at the meeting Rijiju said, "For years I have worked towards promoting clean sports and now as Sports Minister of India that commitment has only grown stronger. I am happy to inform you that Clean Sports is a focus area for my Ministry and we are committed to cooperating with WADA to ensure Clean Sports is achieved globally."

While discussing a plethora of issues, Sports Minister also spoke of the readiness of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) to conduct tests as per WADA guidelines. Speaking on this, Rijiju stated, "I have been informed that NDTL has submitted all the 47 corrective action reports to WADA as per timelines defined by WADA and also sent a compliance report on the 13 decision points conveyed by the Chair of the WADA Executive Committee. With this, NDTL now stands fully compliant with all requirements of WADA and the International Standard of Laboratories."

India is committed to Clean Sports and Anti-Doping. I had a very productive virtual meeting via video conferencing with the President of WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY (WADA) Mr Witold Bańka. pic.twitter.com/8Oc2FrXoWz — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 8, 2020

He added, "I would request you to expedite the process and organize to lift the suspension of NDTL's WADA Accreditation." 

Notably, the WADA accreditation of NDTL has been under suspension since August 20, 2019.

The Sports Minister also invited the WADA team for an on-site visit of NDTL. 

"Once international travel is allowed, I would request a WADA team to visit NDTL and check if all upgradations are as per the satisfaction of WADA. If anything else needs amendments, we will do so," he said.

Inviting the WADA President for an India visit, Sports Minister also offered to extend support to WADA in terms of greater financial contribution as well as manpower resources. 

"We are good at scientific research and I feel that the presence of Indian representatives in your various committees will be beneficial. On behalf of my government I would like to assure you that as a member nation, India is willing to extend all support," he said.