NEW DELHI — Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday, November 3, launched the Extramural Research Grant Policy of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) at the 10th World Association of Anti-Doping Scientists (WAADS) Quality Assurance Managers' Meeting 2026 in New Delhi, according to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release issued at 6:05 pm. The two-day meeting, organised by NDTL, began on November 2 and brought together international stakeholders from the sports and scientific communities; Mandaviya, the chief guest, also oversaw the launch of the NDTL Newsletter at the meet.

Source: PIB via Technology For You — Mandaviya launches NDTL Extramural Research Grant Policy at WAADS meet (3 Nov 2026)

"Today we launched the important Extramural Research Grant Policy, which aims at promoting research and development in areas of advanced detection and prevention. This initiative will strengthen the scientific foundation of our anti-doping efforts," Mandaviya said, according to the release. An extramural policy means the laboratory funds research carried out by outside institutions rather than only its own scientists. The PIB release did not announce grant amounts or an application window; those operational details are still awaited.

Source: NewKerala — Mandaviya launches NDTL research grant policy at WAADS meet (3 Nov 2026)

"Zero tolerance" — and the 2030-2036 frame

"Friends, India has zero tolerance for doping. Our responsibility is to ensure that every victory is earned through talent, discipline, and hard work," the minister said. He linked the push to India's calendar ahead: the country hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and harbours ambitions of hosting the 2036 Olympics. "Our approach, therefore, combines stronger testing infrastructure with education, awareness, and prevention," he said, adding that athletes, coaches and medical professionals must understand the implications of prohibited substances, the risks associated with supplements, and their responsibilities under anti-doping rules.

The meeting was attended by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, WADA Senior Associate Director (Laboratory Science and Medicine) Dr Osquel Barroso, WAADS President Dr Dorota Kwiatkowska, NDTL Director Prof (Dr) P. L. Sahu and other scientists, the release said. Mandaviya also pointed to India's recent results — fourth place in the final medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games and a record 114 medals for para-athletes at the Asian Para Games 2026 — as evidence, in his words, that India has entered a new phase in sport. What happens next: NDTL is expected to operationalise the grant policy for outside researchers; Awaaz Punjab will update this story when amounts, eligibility and application dates are published.