India re-elected as Vice-Chairperson (Asia-Pacific Group IV)
India has been re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) at the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, held in Paris. The session also marked the 20th anniversary of the Convention. This re-election highlights India’s continued leadership and commitment to promoting fair, ethical, and drug-free sports globally.
About the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport
Adoption: 19 October 2005, during the 33rd UNESCO General Conference Entry into force: 1 February 2007
Members: 192 States Parties (UNESCO’s second most ratified treaty) The Convention is the first and only global legally binding instrument against doping in sports. It provides a framework through which governments and sports organizations coordinate efforts to eliminate doping and ensure integrity in sports.
Objectives • Harmonize anti-doping rules and standards worldwide • Promote fairness, health, and ethics in sports • Support education and awareness against performance-enhancing drug use
Key Features
• Legal Alignment: Requires States to implement measures consistent with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code
• International Cooperation: Encourages collaboration among governments, sports bodies, and research institutions
• Anti-Doping Fund: Supports training, education, and scientific research for clean sports
• Ethical Oversight: Addresses new and emerging issues like gene doping and misuse of traditional medicines
• Governance: Conference of Parties (COP) elects a Bureau and committees to monitor compliance and oversee funding mechanisms
Significance
• Strengthens the global fight against doping and maintains integrity in sports
• Protects athletes’ health and rights
• Provides a policy coordination platform for governments, WADA, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• Enhances India’s diplomatic and leadership role in shaping global sports governance and ethics