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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the report of the Independent Observer (IO) panel on the anti-doping program of the 2022 Asian Games*, held in Hangzhou, China, between 23 September and 8 October 2023.
WADA’s IO program is an important component of Major Event Organisations’ compliance monitoring, with IO teams providing an independent review of all aspects of anti-doping programs as provided at major events around the world, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games Games. In addition to publishing this written report after the event, the team was also able to provide real-time feedback during the Games in a positive and collaborative manner.
Most of the Games’ anti-doping program was managed by the International Testing Agency on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia with the support of the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency, International Federations and the local organizing committee. WADA’s IO team worked with various organizations to help strengthen the program. The team consisted of:
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Nick Paterson (New Zealand), CEO, Drug Free Sport New Zealand (Chairman);
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Louis Duparc-Portier (France), Director, WADA Compliance Unit (Vice-Chair).
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Saravana Perumal Shanmugam (India), Director, WADA Asia/Oceania Office.
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Merey Tan (Singapore), Director General, Anti-Doping Singapore. and
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Gaby Ahrens (Namibia), Vice-President of the WADA Athletes’ Council and Olympic sports shooter.
Mr Paterson said: “It has been a pleasure to lead WADA’s Independent Observer team in China for the 2022 Asian Games. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to commend the efforts of those who have contributed to the success of the anti-doping program and highlight the dedication of the staff and volunteers who played a critical role in ensuring that the anti-doping program was carried out effectively.”
The IO team observed all aspects of the Games anti-doping programme, including:
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Recruitment and training of sample collection staff.
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Athlete selection, notification and sample collection procedures.
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Sample transport and chain of custody.
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Therapeutic Use Exemption Procedures. and
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Results management.
In addition to the program’s strengths, the report also identifies a number of recommendations and best practices to consider for future Asian Games and other major events.
*The Asian Games were originally scheduled to be held in September 2022.