India Ranks No.1 in Doping with 148 Suspensions, Overtakes Kenya

India has toped the global doping list with 148 suspended athletes, surpassing Kenya. The AIU report highlights serious concerns, with top athletes involved. Authorities are tightening rules, but the issue continues to impact India’s credibility in international athletics.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 3 April 2026, 4:57 PM IST

India Becomes Worst Offender in Athletics (Image Source: Dynamite News)

New Delhi: Shocking news has emerged from the world of athletics. India has now reached the forefront in doping cases. According to the latest report of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), a total of 148 athletes are suspended in India, which is the highest in the world. In this matter, India has left Kenya behind, whose 146 players are in this list.

Condition of other countries

In this list, India is at first place, while Kenya is at second and Russia is at third place. Currently 66 athletes are suspended in Russia. These figures are as of April 1, 2026, which show the serious situation of doping at the global level.

Which Indian players are included?

Many big names of India are also included in this list.

• Dutee Chand: 100-meter national record holder, suspended for 4 years
• Parvez Khan: 6-year ban, applicable till 2030
• Sekar Dhanalakshmi: 8 years' suspension

Action has been taken against these players for violating doping rules. Not only doping, these are also the other reasons. The AIU list not only includes players who have taken drugs but also people who tried to avoid the test, tampered with the sample, and gave incorrect information or did not update the location. All these are considered as serious crimes as doping.

What is AIU?

AIU, i.e., the Athletics Integrity Unit, is an independent organization working under World Athletics. It monitors athletes and their support staff at the international level and takes strict action on matters like doping.

Efforts to stop doping in India

In view of the increasing problem of doping, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has taken several steps:

• Keep an eye on suspicious training centers.
• Registration of all coaches is necessary.
• Unregistered coaches will be blacklisted.
• Their players will not get national awards.
• Change in training system.

After the Paris Olympics 2024, AFI has also changed its training system. Now the national camps have been limited, and most of the players are training with private institutions or government departments.

What is its effect?

India reaching the top in doping is a big blow to the sports image of the country as international trust may decrease, players' careers are affected, and the reputation of sports is damaged.

Experts believe that along with strict rules, awareness and proper training are necessary. If improvements are not made in time, questions will continue to be raised on India's sporting achievements.