The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an international independent agency composed and funded equally by the sport movement and governments of the world. It envisions a world where all athletes can participate in a doping-free sporting environment.Â
 Its key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code).Â
Get a comprehensive list of Important International Organizations and their Headquarters at the linked article.Â
Why is it in news?
On the recommendation of one of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) panels, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other global federations investigated Russia for doping activities.Â
The Court of Arbitration for Sport banned Russia for two years to participate in all major sporting events after a doping scandal in 2019. The ban still prevents Russia from competing in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and football’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In this article, we shall discuss at length the objectives of the World Anti-Doping Agency along with a brief background of the Organisation. IAS Exam aspirants must go through the article contents carefully as questions based on WADA may be asked in the upcoming UPSC prelims.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)Â [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here
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WADA – A Brief Background
- World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999Â
- It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada
- It was set up as a foundation under the initiative of the IOC with the support and participation of intergovernmental organizations, governments, public authorities, and other public and private bodies fighting doping in sport
- It was formed pursuant to the terms of the Lausanne Declaration, which provided for the creation of an independent international anti-doping
- WADA is responsible for the World Anti-Doping Code, adopted by more than 650 sports organizations, including international sports federations, national anti-doping organizations, the IOC, and the International Paralympic Committee
- It aims to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport
- The core values and principles on which WADA functions include:
- Protecting the rights of all athletes in relation to anti-doping, contributing to the integrity in sport
- Developing policies, procedures and practices that reflect justice, equity and integrity
- The organisation is impartial and transparent, listens to the voice of the athletes and strive to be diverse
- It develops innovative and practical solutions to enable stakeholders to implement anti-doping programs
Read about the prevalence of Drug Abuse in India at the linked article.Â
| What is the World Anti-Doping Code?
It is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world. It works in conjunction with eight International Standards which aim to foster consistency among anti-doping organizations in various areas. In January 2003, the first Code was approved in Copenhagen and its purpose is to advance the anti-doping effort through the universal harmonization of core anti-doping elements. |
Objectives of WADA
- Overseeing acceptance, implementation and compliance of the Code, the core document that glues together anti-doping policies, rules and regulations worldwide
- Outlining preventative methods such as values-based education programs targeted at young athletes, coaches, doctors, training and parents on the dangers and consequences of doping
- Coordinating anti-doping activities globally through the central clearinghouse Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS)
- Spreading awareness about the impact of doping by interacting with athletes and their entourage
- Working closely with government, law enforcement and Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) in order to facilitate evidence gathering and information sharing
In India, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) is the legislation that deals with narcotic drug or psychotropic substance prohibition.Â
WADA – Governance Structure
In accordance with WADA’s Statutes, its current governance structure is composed of:
- A 38-member Foundation Board (Board), the Agency’s highest policy-making body, with an equal number of representatives from the Sports Movement and Governments of the World
- A 14-member Executive Committee (ExCo), which the Board delegates the management and running of the Agency to, including the performance of activities and the administration of assets
- 5 Standing Committees, which report into the ExCo and play a key advisory role in policy and priority development for the Agency
- 10 Expert Groups, that play a key advisory role for the Agency in their areas of expertise
- A Nominations Committee to ensure that the right people in terms of skills and independence serve in senior governance roles within WADA
| What is the WADA Prohibited List?
The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List is a comprehensive document serving as the international standard for identifying substances and methods prohibited in sport. The Prohibited List is updated annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA and goes into effect on January 1 of each year. |
All government exam aspirants can get a comprehensive List of Sports Cups and Trophies for general awareness at the linked article.Â
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)Â [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here
Candidates preparing for the upcoming Civil Services Exam can get the updates UPSC Syllabus for the prelims and mains examination at the linked article and accordingly start their preparation.Â
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