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Doping Crackdown: AFI Punishes Coaches of Sanctioned AthletesIn a bid to curb the rising cases of doping in Indian athletics, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has implemented a stringent policy that holds coaches accountable for the actions of their athletes.Under the new policy, athletes will be required to disclose the names of their coaches, who must also register with the AFI. If an athlete is caught and punished for doping, the coach will face similar sanctions from the federation.AFI President Adille Sumariwalla emphasized the severity of the doping issue and the need for decisive action. He stated that the federation will recommend government departments to take action against coaches involved in doping."We will ban the coach and inform the Army, Navy, Air Force, and SAI. We will not let such coaches enter the stadium or accompany any team," Sumariwalla said.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code provides for sanctions against individuals who assist or cover up doping violations. The AFI's policy aligns with this code, recognizing the role of coaches in preventing and combating doping.However, some coaches have expressed concerns about the policy. Amrish Kumar, who trains India's top steeplechaser Avinash Sable, believes that coaches should only be punished if it can be proven that they assisted in doping."You cannot just suspend a coach because the athlete has been caught and punished for doping," Kumar said. "The athletes are smart today and have nutritionists, physios, and so many people around them."Despite these concerns, Delhi's chief coach Dinesh Rawat supports the policy. He believes that firm steps are necessary to curb doping and that coaches have a responsibility to monitor their athletes' performance.In addition to the coaching crackdown, the AFI is also decentralizing training camps and introducing a new kitting partner, PUMA. The federation aims to create a more robust and transparent system to support Indian athletes and combat the scourge of doping.

The Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) "no needle policy" has come under scrutiny after numerous used syringes were discovered at the main athletics stadium of the Sports Authority of India's center in Lucknow during the 22nd Junior National Federation Athletics Championship.The syringes were found scattered in the men's toilets, which are adjacent to the dope collection rooms at the venue. The identity of the athletes who used the syringes remains unknown, but their presence raises concerns about potential doping violations."We can't keep an eye on every athlete, especially when they lock the toilet doors," said a security guard outside the bathrooms on condition of anonymity. "It's not our responsibility to check every time an athlete comes out of the toilet."The discovery of the syringes on the first day of the prestigious event, which serves as a qualifying championship for the 21st Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Dubai, has shocked organizers."We have no idea how these syringes got into the men's toilet," said PK Srivastava, chief executive officer of the Uttar Pradesh Athletics Association. "We have a strict no-needle policy in athletics, but I will investigate this matter personally."Srivastava confirmed that the AFI has set up a dope control center at the venue, where a team of doctors is deputed for sample collection. A six-member NADA team led by BN Mishra is also stationed there."AFI has set up its dope controlling center at the venue, and so far, nine samples have been received on day one of the three-day championship," said Srivastava. "It's disheartening that some of our athletes still resort to such unethical practices."The presence of the syringes has cast a shadow over the championship and raised questions about the effectiveness of the AFI's anti-doping measures. The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of doping regulations and increased education for athletes on the dangers of performance-enhancing substances.