Asia & Oceania region intergovernmental ministerial meet on anti-doping begins in Colombo

The annual Asia and Oceania region intergovernmental ministerial meeting on anti-doping began in Colombo on Monday with representatives from 29 countries including India attending.

The 15th such annual gathering, is also being attended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to discuss important anti-doping issues that will help in the fight for clean sport.

WADA President Sir Craig Reedie said this is an important meeting for the region and the global anti-doping movement.

Addressing a press conference Monday afternoon, Craig said several sportspersons in the region are in the habit of using traditional medicines but are unaware of presence of some active substance under prohibited list and hence there is need for more awareness on it.

He also emphasized on conducting research in the field to prevent athletes becoming positive or prohibited.

Sri Lanka’s sports minister Faiszer Musthapha said such meetings provide vital information-sharing opportunities for Governments and National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) throughout the region.

The two-day meeting will discuss how to make the most of government engagement, ensure compliance with the world anti-doping code, support capacity building and a range of other topics