Mandaviya Launches NDTL Extramural Research Grant Policy

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya launched the Extramural Research Grant Policy of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) on 3 November 2026 in New Delhi. The policy was released at the 10th Quality Assurance Managers' Meeting 2026 of the World Association of Anti-Doping Scientists (WAADS), a two-day gathering that had opened the previous day and was organised by the NDTL. The Minister, who attended as chief guest, also oversaw the launch of the NDTL Newsletter at the meeting.

What the policy is for

The new grant policy is meant to promote research and development in advanced detection and prevention of doping, and so to strengthen the scientific base of the country's anti-doping work. The Minister set out a zero tolerance position on doping, saying the responsibility of the system is to see that every victory is earned through talent, discipline and hard work. He said the approach combines stronger testing infrastructure with education, awareness and prevention, and that athletes, coaches and medical professionals must understand what prohibited substances do, the risks that come with supplements and their own duties under anti-doping rules.

Looking ahead to two host bids

Dr Mandaviya linked clean sport to the country's hosting plans. India is to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and hopes to host the Olympic Games in 2036, which makes anti-doping testing, athlete education and international cooperation a priority. He said sport had been recognised as a pillar of nation-building and that programmes such as Khelo India, Fit India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme had widened opportunity for the young.

Recent results cited

Who attended

Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao took part, along with international delegates: Dr Osquel Barroso, Senior Associate Director for Laboratory Science and Medicine at the World Anti-Doping Agency; Dr Dorota Kwiatkowska, President of WAADS; and Prof P. L. Sahu, Director of the NDTL, besides other scientists. The meeting brought together stakeholders from the sporting and scientific communities over the two days, with quality assurance in dope testing laboratories as its subject.