Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has described doping as a significant issue for the future of Indian athletes and urged them to avoid it.
According to a report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), doping has become a growing concern in India, with the country having the highest number of drug cheats globally. In 2022, India reported 125 adverse analytical findings (AAFs) out of 3,865 samples tested, making it the only nation with more than 100 positive doping tests. Another WADA report highlighted that India ranked second-worst for positive doping cases among minors.
Chopra said, “Nowadays doping is a big problem in India among our athletes. When the mindset becomes focused on doping, the career progression in the long run becomes very difficult. Such athletes are unable to perform at a high level.”
He added, “They think that only doping can get them performance, but that is not the truth. It is their hard work, self-belief, and proper guidance from the coach that will take you forward.”
Chopra advised athletes to eat well, rest well, and work hard for a successful sports career.
He stated, “Once they dope, the dope test happens, and they get caught. They receive a ban of 2-4 years. There is no life in that.”
The star javelin thrower called upon coaches to prevent athletes from doping for the betterment of sports in the country.
“I request the coaches to not tell them that doping will help them and keep them far away from it,” he said.
Chopra believes that if the situation improves, the level of sports will become better.
“Nowadays what happens is that any kid who is good in sports, reaches a good level and then he comes under doping. That is an issue. They also need to eat and drink outside carefully,” he maintained.
