The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) welcomed Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra as it launched an awareness initiative on June 19, 2026. This campaign aims to educate athletes about the risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs while promoting the importance of clean sport. The launch occurred at the second IOA Athletes Forum, where the association’s Chief Executive Officer, Raghuram Iyer, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation to bolster the campaign’s objectives.

Chopra’s Message to Young Athletes

A video message from Chopra, who was attending the Diamond League event in Doha, was featured at the forum. In his address, Chopra emphasised the significance of perseverance, urging aspiring athletes to avoid shortcuts for quick success. He shared insights from his athletic journey, noting, “I have seen how kids want to enhance performance by doping to win big medals. But from my story, I can tell you it took me 10 years to get to the Olympic medal.” He referenced both his gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics and his silver at the Paris Games as proof of the effort required to excel in sports.

The campaign’s timing is critical as India faces ongoing challenges with doping, having been identified by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a leading nation for doping offences over the past three years. The organisation’s president, Witold Banka, has labelled the situation as a significant concern in the world of athletics, prompting this urgent initiative.

This campaign intends to enhance understanding of anti-doping regulations, diminish unknowing infractions, and foster a culture prioritising integrity throughout all levels of sporting events. Iyer highlighted the approach, which includes athlete-led storytelling and educational workshops designed to make anti-doping knowledge more accessible.

Support from the Sports Ministry and IOA Leadership

Chopra further articulated the concept of clean sport, stating it involves not only following regulations but also ensuring athletes have a safe space to discuss and clarify their doubts regarding supplements and performance pressure. The Sports Ministry is reportedly contemplating legal revisions to fortify India’s anti-doping framework, which may involve criminalising the supply of prohibited substances.

Concerns regarding doping have led Chopra to contemplate such an initiative for almost a year. He observed the increasing incidence of doping violations, expressing worries regarding their damaging effects on India’s international sporting reputation. Established in 2023, the Neeraj Chopra Foundation aims to enhance access to sporting infrastructure and resources. It supports young athletes in various capacities, focusing on areas like sports science, nutrition, and injury prevention.

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