Punjab Newsline, Sports :
Registered Testing Pool expanded for first quarter of 2026 as NADA steps up anti-doping measures
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has released its Registered Testing Pool (RTP) list for the first quarter of 2026, which includes star Indian women cricketers Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues among 14 cricketers named. The move is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening India’s anti-doping framework and ensuring fair play across sports.
According to NADA, a total of 347 athletes have been included in the latest RTP list, with as many as 118 athletes coming from a single category, making it the most represented group. This marks a substantial increase compared to the previous RTP list, which had 227 athletes. This time, 120 new names have been added, reflecting a sharper focus on testing and monitoring elite athletes.
Officials said the expansion of the RTP list is largely driven by the upcoming major international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games scheduled to be held this year. With Indian athletes expected to compete at the highest level, NADA has intensified its efforts to conduct more rigorous and frequent testing to uphold the integrity of sports.
Athletes included in the Registered Testing Pool are required to provide regular whereabouts information and remain available for testing at any time throughout the year. This allows NADA to conduct no-notice, out-of-competition tests in line with international anti-doping standards. The system is designed to deter the use of banned substances and ensure a clean competitive environment.
The inclusion of prominent women cricketers such as Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues also highlights NADA’s emphasis on covering all sports and categories without bias. Their presence in the RTP sends a strong message to young and upcoming athletes about the importance of discipline, transparency, and adherence to anti-doping rules.
Overall, the expanded RTP list underlines India’s commitment to clean sport. By widening the testing pool and adopting a more aggressive testing strategy, NADA aims to promote fairness, credibility, and trust in Indian sports ahead of key global competitions.