India Launches 17th Global Athlete Passport Unit to Bolster Anti-Doping Efforts

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the broader regional impact of this development, calling the APMU a “beacon of support for the Global South.”

In a landmark move towards reinforcing fair play and transparency in sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, inaugurated the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi. This strategic initiative is designed to intensify India’s efforts in the global fight against doping and promote ethical sporting practices, both at the national and international levels.

A Game-Changer in Anti-Doping Mechanisms

Addressing the gathering during the inauguration, Dr. Mandaviya described the APMU as a “key milestone in India’s fight against doping,” emphasizing its ability to longitudinally track athletes’ biological profiles through the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system. Unlike traditional methods of detecting banned substances in a single test, the ABP system allows anti-doping experts to monitor changes in an athlete’s biological markers over time—making it possible to detect indirect evidence of doping.

“The Athlete Passport Management Unit is a proactive tool that can uncover doping trends by analyzing an athlete’s blood and steroidal profiles. This innovation protects clean athletes, upholds the credibility of competitions, and ensures that performance is a true reflection of talent, dedication, and fair play,” he said.

Support for the Global South

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the broader regional impact of this development, calling the APMU a “beacon of support for the Global South.” He pointed out that many of India’s neighboring countries lack the financial and technological resources to build such sophisticated infrastructure. With the launch of the APMU, India is well-positioned to share expertise, knowledge, and technology with these nations.

“By fostering regional cooperation and sharing tools of fair play, India is contributing to a stronger, more united fight against doping across the Global South. This spirit of solidarity will elevate the standard of sports and ensure integrity is preserved at every level,” he noted.

Emphasis on Education and Grassroots Awareness

Beyond the technical infrastructure, the Union Minister stressed the importance of grassroots awareness and education. He called for a collective effort involving Sports Federations, Academic Institutions, Universities, and even Rural Education Systems to promote anti-doping awareness from an early age.

Dr. Mandaviya proposed a collaborative approach where scientists and researchers working at NDTL could engage with school and college students to educate them about the science behind doping, its risks, and the ethical responsibility of athletes.

Aligned with Global Standards

The APMU has been established in accordance with the strict guidelines laid out by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). India’s latest step strengthens the international anti-doping framework by joining the elite group of nations—becoming only the 17th country in the world to house an operational APMU.

This advanced facility will serve as a specialized body responsible for the continuous monitoring and analysis of athlete biological passports. With this, NDTL now gains enhanced capacity to conduct data-driven and evidence-based anti-doping investigations, enhancing its credibility and global standing.

A Historical Milestone

The inauguration event was graced by key dignitaries, including Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), Shri Kunal, Joint Secretary (Sports), prominent scientists, and Prof. (Dr.) P. L. Sahu, Director & CEO (I/c) of NDTL.

Dr. Sahu remarked that the APMU marks “a major leap in India’s anti-doping ecosystem” and positions the country as a leader in sports integrity. “This development not only boosts our testing capabilities but also establishes India as a regional hub for anti-doping intelligence,” he added.

Understanding the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)

The Athlete Biological Passport concept was first introduced as a novel method to detect doping by tracking physiological markers instead of relying solely on direct detection of banned substances. Over time, and with the help of global experts and medical professionals, WADA developed and standardized the ABP framework.

An ABP works by compiling an athlete’s biological data—like hemoglobin levels, hormone concentrations, and other vital metrics—into an electronic document. Significant deviations from an athlete’s typical biological range may indicate doping, even if a specific banned substance isn’t detected.

The APMU serves as the analytical brain of this system, evaluating and interpreting athlete profiles for any suspicious patterns. This approach complements traditional testing and enhances its overall effectiveness.

India Sets a Global Benchmark

With Indian athletes consistently achieving new heights on the global stage, maintaining a fair and level playing field becomes paramount. The inauguration of the APMU is not just a technical upgrade, but a moral commitment to the principles of clean sport.

As doping becomes increasingly sophisticated, India’s proactive measures ensure that it stays ahead of the curve—protecting athletes, preserving the sanctity of sport, and setting an example for other nations to follow.

The APMU at NDTL is more than just a facility; it’s a symbol of India’s unwavering dedication to fairness, ethics, and sportsmanship—values that resonate far beyond the finish line.