Sports
Drug Scandals Threaten India’s 2036 Olympic Dream
India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games is under growing threat as the country battles widespread doping scandals that have cast a shadow over its sporting reputation.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has repeatedly raised concerns about the high number of Indian athletes caught using performance-enhancing drugs, a problem acknowledged even by the country’s top star.
“Doping is a big problem in India among our athletes,” Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra admitted earlier this year, urging competitors to “eat well, rest well and work hard” instead of relying on banned substances.
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In response to international scrutiny, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) recently formed a new anti-doping panel, while the government has introduced a national anti-doping bill to tighten enforcement, expand testing, and “ensure the highest standards of integrity” in sport.
Michael Payne, former IOC marketing director, told AFP that while many past Olympic hosts also had doping issues, India must convince the IOC it has strong policies in place.
“The bigger issue is confidence in the overall operational delivery capabilities of the host, and there India has a lot of work to do,” he warned, referencing the corruption-marred 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), India remains one of the world’s worst offenders among nations conducting more than 1,000 tests.
From 5,606 samples collected in 2023, 213 returned positive, with stanozolol, a synthetic steroid, being the most common banned drug.
Athletics and wrestling account for the majority of violations. In July, under-23 wrestling champion and Paris 2024 Olympics quarter-finalist Reetika Hooda tested positive and was provisionally suspended.
Experts say many athletes turn to doping in hopes of escaping poverty, since sporting success in India can lead to government jobs with the police or armed forces, offering lifelong financial security.
“Athletes know that they can be punished but still put their careers at stake,” lawyer Saurabh Mishra, who has defended athletes in doping cases, said. “Getting a medal will help them clinch a government job.”
Sports medicine specialist Saranjeet Singh added that while some violations stem from ignorance, others result from calculated risks or even coaching influence.
“They cannot achieve the level of performance that they want at international level and use banned drugs for a short cut,” he said.
With countries like Indonesia, Turkey, Chile, and Qatar also vying for the 2036 Games, India faces an uphill battle to clean up its image.
Beyond doping, analysts argue the real challenge lies in proving its ability to deliver a corruption-free, smoothly run Olympics.
World football governing body FIFA is facing growing scrutiny after authorities in the United States opened an investigation into allegations of ticket pricing exploitation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The probe, announced by officials in New York and New Jersey, will examine whether FIFA engaged in unfair pricing strategies, including alleged “impossibly high” ticket costs, misleading seat allocations, and dynamic pricing models that push prices higher as demand increases.
According to prosecutors, the investigation aims to determine whether fans were unfairly treated during the ticket sales process or misled about what they were purchasing.
ALSO READ: Global Alarm: Amnesty Raises Red Flag Over 2026 World Cup Safety
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the ticketing system as confusing and exploitative, saying it has turned access to World Cup matches into what she called a “gauntlet of confusion and fake scarcity.”
Her New York counterpart, Letitia James, also expressed concern over rising ticket prices and accessibility, stressing that football supporters deserve transparency and fairness in the sales process.
The controversy has intensified ahead of the tournament kickoff on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the final scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Beyond ticket prices, fans have also raised concerns about additional match-day costs, including expensive transportation and parking fees, further increasing the financial burden of attending games.
The investigation adds to mounting pressure on FIFA as global criticism grows over the commercialisation of major football tournaments and the affordability of attending matches for ordinary supporters.
Authorities in other US states have also reportedly raised concerns, suggesting the issue could be more widespread across the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have joined millions of football fans across Nigeria and the diaspora in congratulating Rangers International FC of Enugu for emerging champions of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
In a statement issued on Monday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, praised the Flying Antelopes for securing their ninth league title, describing the achievement as a reflection of resilience, consistency, and the club’s rich football heritage.
He also commended the NPFL Board led by Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye for its sustained efforts in repositioning Nigerian football through the creation of a more competitive and commercially attractive league structure capable of restoring fans’ confidence and attracting wider national and international interest.
“The just concluded NPFL season will go down in history as one of the most competitive and exciting campaigns ever witnessed in Nigerian football, with the title race extending to the final day before a winner eventually emerged.
“For GTI, this is a landmark victory for Rangers International and a proud moment for Nigerian football. Winning the league title for the ninth time and equalling the record held by Enyimba FC is not only a testament to the club’s quality and tradition, but also a clear indication of the growing competitiveness of our elite league.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 20 clubs that participated in the just concluded season, including those that secured continental tickets and those unfortunately relegated. Next season presents another opportunity for every team to improve and compete more strongly.
“GTI will continue to partner with the NPFL as Nigerian football steadily progresses toward greater continental and global relevance, judging by the quality and excitement witnessed throughout the 2025/2026 season,” Ekejiuba stated.
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Following the conclusion of Matchday 38 fixtures, Rangers International finished top of the table with 68 points after securing a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City FC in Lagos. Rivers United FC finished second with 67 points despite defeating Katsina United FC 3-0, as Rangers only needed a win to guarantee the title.
Ikorodu City’s defeat ensured that Shooting Stars retained third position with 60 points despite their loss to Niger Tornadoes FC.
Statistics from the season showed that a total of 772 goals were scored, with 287 wins recorded, including 45 away victories and 93 matches drawn. Godwin Obaje of Rangers International emerged as the league’s top scorer with 14 goals.
Meanwhile, former champions Remo Stars FC and El-Kanemi Warriors joined Bayelsa United FC and Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi as the four clubs relegated at the end of the season.
PHOTO CAPTION: Rangers International Football Club of Enugu players celebrating after emerging champions of the NPFL 2025/2026 season in Lagos at the weekend.
The race to become Europe’s most prolific striker since 2020 has turned into one of the fiercest individual battles in modern football, with elite forwards pushing each other to record-breaking levels across the top five European leagues.
While the previous decade was dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a new generation of attacking stars has taken over, reshaping the goal-scoring landscape in world football.
SEE ALSO: Harry Kane Hits Back At Critics With Historic Hat-Trick For Bayern Munich
According to compiled statistics from performances since the start of the 2020 decade, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane currently sits at the top of the chart with 175 goals, narrowly ahead of his closest rivals.
Hot on his heels are three of football’s biggest names tied on 174 goals each — Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, France superstar Kylian Mbappé, and former Bayern Munich forward now at Barcelona Robert Lewandowski.
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah follows behind with 128 goals, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent scorers in Europe.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez has also impressed with 118 goals, leading the line for the Italian giants across multiple strong seasons.
Further down the list, Canadian striker Jonathan David (93 goals) and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (91 goals) have established themselves as reliable Premier League and Ligue 1 finishers respectively.
Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović and Osasuna forward Ante Budimir are level on 89 goals each, highlighting their consistency in Italy and Spain.
Completing the top scorers’ list is Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy with 101 goals, reflecting his rise as one of Europe’s most efficient attackers in recent seasons.
See the list below:
1. Harry Kane – 175 goals
2. Erling Haaland – 174 goals
3. Kylian Mbappé – 174 goals
4. Robert Lewandowski – 174 goals
5. Mohamed Salah – 128 goals
6. Lautaro Martínez – 118 goals
7. Serhou Guirassy – 101 goals
8. Jonathan David – 93 goals
9. Ollie Watkins – 91 goals
10. Dušan Vlahović – 89 goals
The figures underline just how competitive modern football has become, with only a few goals separating some of the biggest names in the sport and every season capable of changing the rankings dramatically.
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