Overview of COP10 Session
India actively participated in the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, held from October 20-22, 2025, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This significant meeting celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Convention, the only legally binding international framework dedicated to promoting integrity and eradicating doping in sports globally.
India’s Representation and Contributions
The Indian delegation, led by Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), and Shri Anant Kumar, Director General of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), engaged with representatives from over 190 States Parties. The delegation interacted with key stakeholders, including the African Union, International Olympic Committee, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and other international organizations, to advance the global anti-doping agenda.
India demonstrated its commitment by providing in-kind support through Interactive Boards that showcased the journey of the Anti-Doping Convention, enriching the COP10 proceedings.
India’s Re-election and Regional Leadership
During the session, India was re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) region for the 2025–2027 term. Azerbaijan secured the Chairperson position, while Brazil, Zambia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were elected as Vice-Chairs for their respective regions.
Image Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of IndiaKey Discussions and Outcomes
Over 500 representatives from national governments, anti-doping organizations, and UNESCO permanent delegations attended the session. Discussions centered on enhancing governance and compliance under the Convention, securing funding for the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and addressing emerging challenges such as gene manipulation, traditional pharmacopoeia, and ethical issues in sports.
The COP9 Bureau and Approval Committee’s report emphasized institutional coherence, strategic communication, and cross-sectoral integration. India proposed amendments to promote harmonization and visibility in education-related projects by integrating the Values Education through Sport (VETS) approach. This initiative aims to foster sports values, ethics, and integrity among youth, sports organizations, and society.
Future Directions and Commitment
The outcomes of COP10 will contribute to ongoing reforms to enhance the Convention’s governance and effectiveness. The session concluded with a renewed commitment from States Parties to uphold integrity and fairness in sports, reinforcing the global fight against doping.
Additional Information
Keyword: Clean Sport
Meta Description: India re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of COP10 Bureau at UNESCO, reaffirming its commitment to clean sport and anti-doping initiatives.