New Delhi: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has partnered with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to launch a nationwide awareness campaign against doping, seeking to encourage young athletes to embrace clean sport and reject performance-enhancing shortcuts.
The initiative was announced during the IOA's second Athletes Forum in New Delhi, where IOA Chief Executive Officer Raghuram Iyer revealed that the organisation had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation for the Clean Sports Campaign.
In a video message from Doha, where he is competing in the Diamond League, Chopra stressed the importance of patience and discipline in achieving sporting success. Reflecting on his own journey, the two-time Olympic medallist said it took nearly a decade of hard work before he reached the Olympic podium.
Chopra expressed concern over the growing tendency among young athletes to seek rapid results, warning that success in sport cannot be achieved overnight. He said athletes must trust the process and focus on long-term development rather than looking for shortcuts.
The campaign comes at a crucial time for Indian sport. India has consistently figured among the countries with the highest number of doping violations in recent years, while international anti-doping bodies have repeatedly flagged concerns over the issue. With the country aspiring to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad, improving its anti-doping record has become a key priority.
According to the IOA, the initiative will focus on educating athletes about anti-doping regulations, supplement safety and ethical sporting practices. The programme will use workshops, digital learning tools, athlete-led storytelling and grassroots outreach activities to make clean sport education more accessible across disciplines and age groups.
Chopra said clean sport extends beyond compliance with rules and regulations. He emphasised the need to create safe spaces where athletes can openly discuss concerns related to supplements, performance pressure and competition-related challenges.
IOA President PT Usha welcomed the collaboration, describing Chopra as a role model whose achievements make him a credible voice in the fight against doping. She said athletes are more likely to trust and learn from someone who has reached the pinnacle of sport through dedication and hard work.
The Sports Ministry is also exploring stronger legal measures to combat doping, including proposed amendments that could criminalise the supply and procurement of banned substances.
Founded in 2023, the Neeraj Chopra Foundation works to support young athletes by improving training facilities, providing access to sports science resources, promoting injury prevention and expanding opportunities for grassroots sporting talent.
The new campaign is expected to play a significant role in building a culture of integrity, fair play and responsible sporting behaviour across India's sporting ecosystem.
(With agency inputs from PTI)
