Strengthening anti-doping efforts

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) collaborated with INTERPOL and regional agencies to organize a five-day intensive workshop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to enhance anti-doping investigations and cooperation in Asia and Oceania.

The five-day event brought together 42 delegates from 13 countries, including representatives from law enforcement agencies and national anti-doping organizations.

The World Anti-Doping Agency is stepping up its anti-doping efforts.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has taken another step in its strategy to expand internationally in the field of anti-doping intelligence and investigation by holding the second of six planned regional workshops, this time in the capital of Saudi Arabia.

The workshop was organized by the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Commission and the Ministry of Sport, with significant contributions from INTERPOL and the New Zealand Sport Integrity Commission.

The sessions focused on key intelligence topics such as advanced investigative techniques, handling classified information, open-source investigation, and analytical and interviewing methodologies.

"We are delighted to be in Saudi Arabia for this important workshop. We are grateful for the hospitality of the Saudi Anti-Doping Commission and the Ministry of Sport, as well as the strong commitment of INTERPOL and our New Zealand partners to enhancing cooperation between anti-doping experts and law enforcement agencies," said Günter Younger, Director of Intelligence and Investigations at the International Anti-Doping Agency.

Director Günter Younger emphasized that each workshop makes a significant contribution to the development of the global anti-doping intelligence and investigation network (GAIIN), thereby promoting the value of direct interaction and experience sharing.

"The active participation and valuable contributions we received in Riyadh allow us to confidently move forward in our mission to protect clean sport throughout the region," Director Günter Younger affirmed.

Echoing the sentiments of Director Günter Younger, the Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Commission, Dr. Saleh Alkonbaz, emphasized the importance of these international meetings, stating that "investigative and intelligence capabilities are a key component of any effective anti-doping program. We are honored to host these discussions, allowing us to share best practices and build a solid foundation for future operations.”

This multi-regional initiative will take place over the next two years and aims to strengthen the internal capacity of the National Anti-Doping Organization while improving cooperation with police and investigative agencies.

Following successful workshops held across Europe from 2022 to 2024, this initiative is now expanding to Asia and Oceania, eventually involving anti-doping organizations and law enforcement agencies from 61 countries. Upcoming workshops will take place in Thailand and India, continuing this collaborative effort to eliminate doping from international sport.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/tang-cuong-no-luc-chong-doping-20250422110113973.htm