India’s growing doping problem has come under fresh scrutiny, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) flagging the steady rise in violations as a serious concern.

WADA president Witold Banka pointed to the easy availability of performance-enhancing drugs and steroids in India, while highlighting the scale of the challenge in controlling the issue.

With India topping the global doping charts for three consecutive years, the trend has raised concerns over the effectiveness of its anti-doping system and the overall integrity of its sporting ecosystem, especially with the country now holding the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

India leads the unwanted list

India, for the past three years, i.e., 2022, 2023 and 2024, has been the worst performer in doping tests as it has topped the chart with the most doping cases on all three occasions.

According to WADA’s data, India recorded 125 positive doping cases in 2022, while the number rose to 213 in 2023 and to 260 in 2024. India not only has the highest number of doping cases, it is also the only country in the top five whose numbers are increasing.

Other countries in the top five, such as France, the United States, Russia and Italy, have all recorded a drop in doping cases in the past three years, unlike India.

List of countries with most doping cases (2022-2024)

Athletics leading the chart

In terms of sports-wise division of doping cases in India (in 2024), track and field athletes are leading the chart with 76 cases, while weightlifters are in second spot with 43 positive cases, followed by wrestlers with 29 cases.

Powerlifters and boxers are joint fourth with 17 cases each, while 10 kabaddi players were also found guilty of doping.

Doping prominent at national level

Despite the significant rise in doping cases in India, it is rare that any Olympic-level sportsperson has been found guilty of doping.

Dutee Chand (athletics), Aishwarya Babu (athletics), MV Jilna (athletics), Manju Bala (athletics), DP Manu (athletics), Karthik Kumar (athletics), Parvej Khan (athletics) and Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi (football) are some of the few international-level athletes who tested positive for doping from 2022 to 2024.

Which means most of the cases of doping are coming at the national level, signifying the issue persists at the grassroots level.

Will doping cases affect India in upcoming events?

India is set to take part in two big multi-nation events this year in the form of the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. Despite the significant rise in the number of doping cases, India is unlikely to be overly concerned as most of its medal hopefuls have passed the tests.

However, among the banned athletes, Dutee Chand, who won the silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games, Karthik Kumar, who won silver in the 2022 Asian Games, and DP Manu, who finished fifth in the javelin throw event of the last Commonwealth Games, could have found their way to the podium, which means India could miss out on a few medals due to the doping hit.

Can India’s situation be compared with Russia?

Before India, a country that was associated as the worst among doping offenders was Russia, as in 2019 it was handed a four-year ban from bidding and participating in any Olympic-level events after it was found that the government was encouraging doping among players.

Although Russian athletes were later allowed to compete under a neutral flag after partial relief from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the episode significantly dented the country’s sporting credibility.

With WADA now formally urging India to address its rising doping numbers, continued non-compliance or weak enforcement could weaken its case in future Olympic hosting, if it is subjected to any form of participation ban.

WADA calls for urgent systemic action

WADA president Witold Banka highlighted the scale of the challenge, pointing to the easy availability of performance-enhancing drugs and steroids in India, which complicates enforcement efforts.

He confirmed that discussions have been held with key stakeholders, including the sports ministry and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), to strengthen coordination in identifying and dismantling doping networks.

Testing improves, but gaps remain

According to NADA Director General Anant Kumar, India has adopted a two-pronged strategy—expanding testing capacity and improving transparency to build trust among athletes.

Testing numbers have nearly doubled from around 4,000 samples in 2019 to approximately 8,000 in 2025. Despite this increase, India still lags behind major sporting nations such as China, which conducts more than 15,000 tests annually.

Banka noted that a rise in positive cases can sometimes reflect better detection and targeted enforcement. However, a decline without structural reforms could signal weak oversight rather than genuine progress.

Easy access and ecosystem failures driving violations

One of the biggest concerns flagged by WADA amid rising doping cases in India is the widespread availability of banned substances.

As one of the largest producers of pharmaceutical drugs, India faces unique regulatory challenges in controlling the distribution of performance-enhancing substances.

The issue extends beyond individual athletes. WADA’s intelligence and investigations wing has identified the role of suppliers, coaches, and support staff in facilitating doping practices, pointing to a deeper, systemic problem.

Officials have also indicated that in several cases, athletes may not be acting alone but are part of a broader ecosystem that enables or even encourages the use of banned substances.

Mikel Arteta faces a fitness concern over a number of key players ahead of the Premier League clash against Man City

Manchester City could face an Arsenal side without several crucial players when they host their title rivals in crucial Premier League clash on Sunday. Widely regarded as the most significant fixture of the 2025/26 season, the result could prove decisive in determining who lifts the Premier League title next month.

Arsenal head into the match with a six-point advantage over City, though Pep Guardiola‘s side have a valuable game in hand.

Arsenal will be desperate to recover from last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth when kick-off comes around at 4.30pm. City, meanwhile, will look to take momentum from a 3-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

And while Mikel Arteta will have been hoping to call upon a fully fit squad for the encounter – given the magnitude of what is at stake – he may be deprived of several of his most influential players through injury.

Here, we run through all of the latest injury updates concerning Arsenal…

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke appeared to sustain a knee problem during Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, being replaced by Max Dowman after 64 minutes. However, Arteta remains optimistic that the winger could feature this weekend if required.

He said in his pre-match press conference on Friday: “Well, we have another training session tomorrow so he didn’t look that bad after the game and he was quite positive.

“He’s a player that pushes through pain so I’m hopeful that he can be available but we have to wait and see if he’s able to join tomorrow.”

Potential return date – Sunday, April 19 v Manchester City.

Bukayo Saka

Saka will play no part in this weekend’s fixture, with the England international still working his way back from an Achilles problem. His most recent appearance was against City in March’s Carabao Cup final and Arteta said of the winger: “Bukayo is out. That is for sure.

“Hopefully he recovers very soon because he is a tremendous player. He is starting to do some stuff, let’s see how quickly he can be with us.”

When pressed about covering the right flank should Madueke also be ruled out, he added: “We’ll have a solution, so whatever happens. We are so used to this decision, unfortunately, for various reasons, so whatever happens, we’ll have the right solution then.”

Potential return date – Unknown.

Mikel Merino

When quizzed on Mikel Merino’s fitness, Arteta gave a straightforward response: “Out again.” The Spaniard continues his recovery from a bone stress fracture in his foot.

Potential return date – Unknown.

Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber

The three players have been absent in recent weeks, but Arteta will be hoping to welcome them back for this weekend’s encounter. Arteta explained: “Yeah, we will try again.

“Some players are quite close but the turnaround is short so we will try tomorrow to push everybody and if they are in good condition they will be part of us and if not they won’t. They haven’t been there in the last few weeks unfortunately.”

Potential return date – Sunday vs City.

Man City vs Arsenal VIP and hospitality tickets

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from,£1,379

Seat Unique

Advertisement

Book tickets here

Seat Unique offers hospitality packages for Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, including ‘premium’ seats at the Etihad and complimentary food and drink.

NEW DELHI: In a firm reminder of its zero-tolerance stance on anti-corruption protocols, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has fined Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder Rs 1 lakh for breaching match-day regulations during an Indian Premier League fixture.

The incident occurred during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10, where Bhinder was found using a mobile phone inside the team dugout — a clear violation of the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols.

IPL 2026: GT vs KKR Live Score

ACU finds response ‘unsatisfactory’

The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), headed by Sharad Kumar, had issued a showcause notice seeking an explanation from Bhinder. However, after reviewing his response, the board deemed it unsatisfactory.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Bhinder was found guilty of breaching protocol.

“The team led by Sharad Kumar examined Bhinder’s response and found him guilty. His reply was not satisfactory,” Saikia said. “As this is a first-time offence, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed along with a warning.”

Bhinder has since acknowledged the lapse and issued an unconditional apology, according to the IPL media advisory.

Strict rules, no exceptions

The IPL’s PMOA guidelines strictly prohibit the use of mobile phones and other communication devices in sensitive areas like the dugout, allowing their use only within designated dressing room spaces.

As per the rules, all players and support staff must switch off and deposit their devices with the team’s security liaison officer upon arrival at the venue. Only limited personnel, such as analysts at designated stations, are permitted to use approved devices.

The breach gained attention after visuals showed Bhinder scrolling on his smartphone in the dugout, with young player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated nearby.

Sources indicated that Bhinder has been dealing with health issues, which may have contributed to the lapse, though the BCCI maintained that protocol violations cannot be overlooked.

“Using a phone in the dugout is a strict no-no. Given his experience, he would have been aware of the rules. It may have been inadvertent, but the board has handled it appropriately,” a source told PTI.

The Mornington conditioner Jerome Hunter eagerly awaits Wonder Boy’s next mile outing, this time utilizing the home track familiarity.

On Saturday, Wonder Boy enters the No Fuss Event Hire Handicap (1600m) at Mornington, which could lead to a Brisbane excursion for the four-year-old.

Hunter expressed confidence that Wonder Boy can manage the 1600m without issue now, given the gelding’s increased maturity over the version that ran it 11 months ago as a three-year-old.

Post his 1400m Bendigo Guineas success in April last year, Hunter ventured with Wonder Boy to Brisbane targeting the Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m).

Though forward in the run, Wonder Boy dropped back to sixth in the closing stages.

“He didn’t get much of a chance up at Eagle Farm that day when nothing went right for him,” Hunter said.

“He was up on speed, there was a lot going on, and it didn’t suit him.

“Back on his home track, he’ll be ridden more conservatively, and we’ll see whether he gets the trip or not.”

No victories for Wonder Boy since April’s Bendigo win last year, though Hunter was heartened by the gelding’s second over 1400m at Rosehill last time out, unaffected by the travel.

“He’s done well since Sydney and he has done really well this preparation,” Hunter said.

“Last start, he came up against a pretty good horse, I think.”

With Brisbane return plans this year, Hunter targets the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June for Wonder Boy.

“He would need to get his rating up, but that would be a lovely race to try and get him into,” Hunter said.

“If we get him up there early enough there are some nice lead-up races along the way.”

Discover competitive racing betting markets for the No Fuss Event Hire Handicap via leading sites.

One year after selecting Paige Bueckers with the first overall pick, the Dallas Wings had the No. 1 pick again in this week’s WNBA Draft, and they selected fellow UConn alum Azzi Fudd.

The selection is much more than just an on-court improvement, however — last summer, Bueckers confirmed that she and Fudd were a couple.

The two have been relatively quiet about their relationship, prompting Kevin Sherrington, a Dallas Morning News columnist, to ask Fudd in her introductory press conference if they were still an item.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Paige Bueckers #5 and Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies and teammates react on the bench against the UCLA Bruins during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at Amalie Arena on April 4, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

On the precipice of that question, Sherrington also asked Fudd if she and Bueckers would talk to “other couples in the league about how they negotiate that dynamic as pro teammates.”

Fudd was not given a chance to answer, as a staffer for the Wings public relations team butted in.

“I understand why you have to ask that question, but we’re going to respectfully decline from commenting on players’ personal lives,” the staffer said.

Sherrington placed blame on the Wings in a column.

UConn student-athlete Paige Bueckers and UConn student-athlete Azzi Fudd walk onto the stage during the Final Four Champions victory parade and rally outside the XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Scott Rausenberger/Imagn Images)

SPARKS STAR CAMERON BRINK SHOWS OFF TONED ABS AT COACHELLA AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WNBA SEASON

“Refusing to acknowledge whether players are still in a relationship after one of them went public about it a year ago suggests they’ve done something wrong, feeding an ugly narrative. What are we afraid of here? What are we saying when we try to hide something already out in the open?” he wrote.

“If anyone’s at fault here, it’s the Wings, who invited the obvious question by drafting Fudd when they had other options, then acted as if they were covering for something that didn’t need hiding. Bueckers and Fudd didn’t deserve this. No matter what their status from here on out, I wish them better luck.”

Players in the WNBA have dated each other as both teammates and opponents. Notably, Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley got married while playing with the Chicago Sky.

It’s unknown how long Fudd and Bueckers have, or had, been dating, but at the very least, they were teammates from 2021 up until last April, when Bueckers was drafted. But they have now reunited.

UConn guards Azzi Fudd (35) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) smile at each other on the bench in the second half against Arkansas State in a first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Storrs, Conn. (Jessica Hil/AP)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The duo played in two national championship games together, winning last year’s — Bueckers joined the school one year prior to Fudd.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today for BOLD PREDICTIONS about the Big Ten during the 2026 football season. But before we get to those BOLD PREDICTIONS, I want to start with a timid prediction. One that’s almost certain to come true.

People will read this and think: “There’s no way that’s going to happen.” They will then turn to a friend, or even a stranger next to them, and ask: “Can you believe what this idiot says is going to happen next year? What an idiot!”

These people have no idea what the words BOLD PREDICTION mean, or what they stand for. We did not come here today to say “Ohio State will win 11 games,” we came here to say “Purdue will win 11 games!”

OK, so maybe that’s a little too bold. Forgive me, I’m still fine-tuning the level of BOLD I’m looking for.

Illinois: Transfer QB Katin Houser will break a school record 

Houser’s return to the Big Ten didn’t make a lot of headlines, but after throwing for 37 touchdowns with East Carolina the last two seasons, Houser replaces Luke Altmyer and does something neither Altmyer nor any other Illini QB has ever done. He throws at least 24 touchdowns. In fact, I’ll say he cruises past the school record (Kurt Kittner, 23, 2001) and finishes with 28.

Indiana Hoosiers lose three times, miss CFP

I told you they’d be bold, didn’t I? This isn’t a prediction based on not believing in Indiana or being daunted. It’s based on the idea that Indiana loses a lot from last year (including the best QB in the country) and has a schedule that includes games against Ohio State, Michigan, USC, and tough road trips to Nebraska and Washington. If Indiana loses to OSU, Michigan and USC (which are all played within a month of each other), it’d be 9-3 without an obvious marquee win to hang its hat on. Ask Notre Dame and Texas how that works out.

Iowa: A Hawkeye finishes with 750 yards receiving for first time since 2018

Yes, it’s been that long since a Hawkeye has covered that much ground through the air. You won’t be surprised to learn it was a tight end who did it. TJ Hockenson finished with 760 receiving yards during the 2018 season. Maybe it’ll be DJ Vonnahme this year. He led the team with 434 yards as a freshman tight end.

Advertisement

Maryland: Terps win a game in November

Did you know the Terrapins are 0-9 after October the last two seasons? Maryland fans certainly know it. Since joining the Big Ten in 2014 (and ignoring the COVID season of 2020 because nothing that happened then was real), Maryland is 11-39 from Nov. 1 on. The only team in the country with a lower win percentage in November and December is UMass at 7-33. Now, we’re only asking for one win, but here’s the problem: Maryland’s November slate is at Purdue, vs. Wisconsin, at USC and vs. Penn State. It probably needs to be one of those first two!

Michigan: Wolverines average more than 35 points per game

This isn’t that bold in the greater context of time. From the 2021 season to 2023, the Wolverines averaged 37.3 points per game, but that number dipped to a meager 24.8 in the last two seasons under Sherrone Moore. With a new staff in place and Bryce Underwood taking a step forward, this unit gets back to lighting up the scoreboard and puts the team right back into Big Ten and CFP contention.

Michigan State: Spartans make a bowl game

Former Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker signed a big deal with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason after winning Super Bowl MVP. He has played four full seasons in the NFL. I bring this up because Walker might not have played in the 2021 Peach Bowl, but Michigan State wouldn’t have been there without him. That Peach Bowl was the last bowl game the Spartans played in. It’s been a miserable four years since, but Pat Fitzgerald gets Sparty back to the postseason in his first year in charge.

Minnesota: Gophers pull off a big upset 

I suspect Minnesota’s final record will look like a typical Minnesota record, but how they get there will be more interesting. The Gophers have road games at Washington, Indiana and Penn State. They also welcome Michigan to Minneapolis. They will be underdogs in all four games, but they’ll win at least one of them.

Advertisement

Nebraska: Cornhuskers miss out on a bowl game

This prediction is not based on Dylan Raiola leaving. I’m of the opinion that Anthony Colandrea might not be the NFL prospect Raiola is, but he’s a better fit for what Dana Holgorsen likes to do. No, this prediction is based on the fact that just because he’s a fit doesn’t mean Colandrea is a star, and Nebraska’s schedule is not easy. The Huskers will be on the road for Michigan State, Oregon, Illinois and Iowa. They could also be underdogs at home to Indiana and Ohio State, and maybe even Washington, too. If this bold prediction comes true, odds are there will be a coaching search in Lincoln this winter.

Northwestern: Aidan Chiles will lose the starting job at some point

Chiles was the big transfer addition, coming over from Michigan State to replace Preston Stone. He’ll now get a chance to work in a Chip Kelly offense. And I don’t think it’ll work. Jonathan Smith had plenty of success with QBs at Oregon State, but couldn’t get Chiles to tap into his potential and play consistent football. Even with a stud WR in Nick Marsh (now at Indiana) making him look better, Chiles lost his starting job at Michigan State. He has tremendous arm strength, but the decision-making and accuracy are far too lacking, and Northwestern isn’t built to survive his turnovers.

Ohio State: Buckeyes break Big Ten title drought

Did you know Ohio State hasn’t won the Big Ten since 2020? Remember, nothing that happened in 2020 counts, so really, Ohio State hasn’t won the Big Ten since 2019. That’s a long drought for a program that’s won a national title and had multiple playoff appearances in that time! Well, Ryan Day finally gets over the hump this year!

Oregon: Ducks lead the league in rushing

Listen, Dante Moore has returned, and the Ducks have Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart at receiver. They also added another stud freshman WR in Gatlin Bair, but I think this team’s identity will be its rushing offense. Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill will combine to be an unstoppable force that, combined with an elite Oregon defense, makes this team one of the toughest to beat in the country.

Advertisement

Penn State: Nittany Lions won’t beat a team with a winning record

Don’t worry, Penn State fans! You might still finish 9-3 even if this comes true! Have you seen Penn State’s schedule this year? There are road games against Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as a home game against USC (White Out plz). Outside of that, there’s nothing that should scare anybody. Minnesota might be the most difficult game left. Also, I think Minnesota will get to a bowl, and earlier I said Minnesota would pull off an upset this season. *whistles to self*

Purdue: Boilermakers win a conference game

The Boilermakers are 0-18 in Big Ten play the last two seasons. Their last Big Ten win came in the final game of the 2023 campaign when the Boilermakers beat Indiana. The Hoosiers were so embarrassed by that loss that they began investing money into their football program. Anyway, back to Purdue. It’s not just that they’re losing conference games, it’s that they’re losing them by an average of 24.6 points per game. It’s not like they’re losing coin flips here.

Rutgers: The Greg Schiano Era comes to an end

If you understand how important Schiano is to the program, you understand how BOLD this prediction is. The problem Schiano faces is that the Knights are only 31-41 in this second stint and have made a bowl game three times in six seasons (and one of those was with a 5-7 record). That includes a mark of 15-39 in the Big Ten. This year’s schedule does Rutgers few favors. They’ll play Indiana, USC, Michigan, and Penn State. Sportsbooks have their win total posted at 4.5, which seems reasonable. If they play to expectations, I can see Rutgers deciding it’s time to move on after the season ends.

UCLA: Sahir West leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss

You probably don’t know who Sahir West is, and that’s OK. Last season, as a freshman, he finished with 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He also played in a playoff game. You see, he was playing for James Madison, and he’s one of a few Dukes who made the move out west with new coach Bob Chesney. Yes, it was the Sun Belt, but 7.5 sacks and 14 TFL as a true freshman doesn’t happen by accident anywhere.

Advertisement

USC: Jayden Maiava wins the Heisman Trophy

That’s right. I am predicting that a Lincoln Riley QB and a USC QB will win the Heisman Trophy. Those things never happen! There is simply nothing bolder than this prediction! OK, listen, maybe you think this isn’t going too far out on a ledge, but Maiava’s current Heisman odds have him behind 10 to 15 other players, depending on where you look. Also, he’s lost his leading receivers from last year’s Trojans offense. But I believe a second year as the starter will see Maiava take a leap forward (and he was already good last year), which will keep USC in the playoff hunt all season, helping Maiava’s campaign even more.

Washington: Huskies will be ranked in the top 10 at some point

Will they stay there? I don’t know, but based on their early-season schedule, I can see the Huskies getting off to a hot start. Only one of their first six games is on the road (USC), and while no road trip is easy for West Coast teams, there are tougher games than Purdue and Nebraska. It’s not out of line to think this team could start 7-1 and maybe climb to 9-1 before finishing the regular season with Indiana and Oregon.

Wisconsin: Badgers miss a bowl game, start over

There was plenty of speculation about Luke Fickell’s future at Wisconsin last season, but the program ultimately decided to keep him and make a stronger financial commitment to the football program. The problem is that while the schedule in 2026 is much easier than 2025, it’s not so much easier that we should expect the Badgers to run through it with ease. They won’t. The transfer additions won’t prove to be enough and the Badgers will finish 5-7, causing the new athletic director to clean house with a new coach of their own choosing.