Beijing, June 2: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has emphasized the necessity of coordination among stakeholders for the adoption of the new World Anti-Doping Code. This updated code and international standards will come into effect on January 1, 2027.
WADA, in collaboration with the China Anti-Doping Agency, is hosting a ministerial meeting and seminar for Asia and Oceania in the Chinese capital from June 1 to June 3.
According to a report by Xinhua, on the opening day of the seminar, WADA President Witold Banka pledged the agency’s support to stakeholders in preparing for the code’s implementation. He stated, “It is our collective responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that signatories are ready by January 1, 2027, when the updated rules will be enforced. WADA will support these signatories in various ways over the coming months, and it will depend on our partners in Asia and Oceania to adopt and implement the lessons learned during the regional seminar in their respective parts of the world. The anti-doping community is strongest when we stand united. This unity was clearly evident at last year’s World Conference in Busan, and it has been fully demonstrated once again today. I look forward to seeing this momentum continue as we move towards implementing the 2027 code over the next six months.”
Banka expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the intergovernmental ministerial meeting held on Monday, which saw participation from over 140 representatives from nearly 40 countries and regions in Asia and Oceania.
Following the sessions, Banka remarked, “Stakeholders have time this year to adopt the new rules and standards to align with the code. During this meeting, we urged governments to take decisive steps to expedite the finalization process ahead of the deadline, to avoid any potential consequences and ensure equal opportunities for all regarding the updates.”
He added, “Coordination within the system is crucial for adopting the code according to the regulations. We concluded the meeting with a proposal that was unanimously approved by all governments. A strong aspect of this is that sports ministers are against the politicization of anti-doping issues.”
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