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WADA Suspends India’s National Dope Testing Laboratory for 6 Months

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended the accreditation of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) for six months in what could be a massive blow to anti-doping movement in the country with less than a year left for Tokyo Olympics. The reason behind the same is said to be “non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories.”

WADA Suspends India’s National Dope Testing Laboratory

According to WADA, the suspension, effective from August 20, prohibits the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples.

Meanwhile, National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) can still carry on with sample collection (blood and urine) but will have to get it tested by a different WADA accredited laboratory outside India during the suspension period of NDTL.

WADA stated in a media release on its website, “This suspension has been imposed due to non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) as identified during a WADA site visit.”

The WADA also stated that its Laboratory Expert Group (LabEG) initiated a disciplinary proceeding with regards to the status of WADA accredited laboratories.

WADA said, “In May 2019, disciplinary proceedings were initiated by WADA’s Laboratory Expert Group (LabEG) and subsequently carried out by an independent Disciplinary Committee, which was mandated to make a recommendation to the Chair of the WADA Executive Committee regarding the status of the laboratory’s accreditation. This process is now complete.”

It further stated, “During the period of suspension, samples that have not yet been analyzed by the NDTL; samples currently undergoing a confirmation procedure; and any samples for which an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) has been reported, must be securely transported to another WADA-accredited laboratory. This is in order to ensure continued high-quality sample analysis, which also helps preserve athletes’ confidence in this process and the wider anti-doping system.”

The NDTL may appeal against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days of receipt of the notice. As per WADA, NDTL may apply for reinstatement prior to the expiry of the six-month suspension period if it meets the requirements.

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