When an athlete wins a medal, spectators usually see only his or
her hard work and dedication. However, modern sport is no longer
confined merely to the playing field. It has become an activity
governed by an organized legal framework. Whether it is the
Olympics, the Asian Games, or a National Championship, athletes
today are judged not only by their performance but also by their
compliance with rules. The most serious challenge within this
regulatory system is doping.
Doping means the use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited
method by an athlete to enhance performance. This includes anabolic
steroids, hormone injections, erythropoietin (EPO), blood doping,
and certain stimulant drugs. All these are regulated under the
World Anti-Doping Code issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency
(WADA). The Code functions like an international sports regulation
and is binding on almost all sporting federations. In India, the
National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021, implemented by the
