WADA approves National Dope Testing Lab as Athlete Biological Passport management unit

The World Anti-Doping Agency has approved the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) to manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) of Indian athletes, which could prove to be a major step in curbing the abuse of banned performance-enhancing substances by athletes.

The approval was granted on December 6, according to a release from the Sports Ministry.

The ABP is an advanced anti-doping tool that monitors an athlete’s biological markers over time, which include blood and steroid profiles. This helps to ensure fair play in sports and to protect clean athletes.

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“The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has granted approval for the NDTL, New Delhi on 6th December 2024, as an Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) to manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP),” a PIB release said.

“This milestone marks a significant achievement for India in advancing its anti-doping initiatives. Now, India is part of a group of the 17 APMUs approved by WADA worldwide.

“India’s APMU would serve the country as well as the anti-doping organisations of neighbouring countries.”