AFI Confirms Historic Move: NADA To Conduct Dope Test In NIDJAM 2019

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced that the National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet 2019 (NIDJAM 2019) for the first time in the 17-year history of the tournament will see Dope testing. AFI confirmed that the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) will post a task force to collect samples in the three-day event which is scheduled to kick start on Saturday in Tirupati.

AFI president Adille Sumariwalla, while applauding NADA’s decision to send a team to Tirupati said that anti-doping methods this year will be among the major steps taken towards making NIDJAM a most honoured event for the upcoming athletes. He added that the AFI is determined to spread the message of clean sport among adolescents.

Sumariwalla further added that AFI has been extensively following a zero-tolerance policy against doping. AFI is the country’s first Sports Federation to set in motion no-needle policy in national camps and competitions. The AFI President further confirmed that the federation never hesitates from taking stern steps like, expelling an athlete from the camp, for duping the no-needle policy. The AFI president further thanked NADA and said that the presence of Dope Control Officers at the meet can send positive messages in the athletics fraternity and it can send chills among those who think that taking shortcuts is the best way to achieve goals.

More than 50000 athletes in nearly 500 districts have taken part in the largest talent search competition by a National Sports Federation. And more than 4500 boys and girls will head to Tirupati to showcase their talent in the three-day event at the Sri Venkateswara University Stadium.

NIDJAM 2019 will feature five events each – 100m, 600m, High Jump, Long Jump and Shot Put – under-14 boys and girls have while the under-16 boys and girls will vie for honours in 100m, 200m, 400m, 1000m, 100m Hurdles, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus Throw and Javelin Throw.