P.T. Usha’s defeat in the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) election appeared to slam the door on her chances of securing a second term as Indian Olympic Association president. But just days later, she found an alternative route into the IOA electoral college – through the Ice Hockey Association of India.

This sudden turn, call it sprinting in the opposite direction, has ignited a much larger debate across the sporting ecosystem. Is this a legitimate constitutional provision, or a calculated workaround to bypass an electoral defeat? Is Usha eligible to represent a sport she has never competed in? And why is a national sports body unrecognized by the Sports Ministry playing a pivotal role in Olympic elections?

Let’s break down the controversy layer by layer.

1. From SOM defeat to an alternative route

On November 9, the IOA conducted elections for eight Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (four women, four men). In the women’s category, legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George led with 53 votes, followed by Rani Rampal (50), Dola Banerjee (45), and Saina Nehwal (43).

P.T. Usha finished fifth with 40 votes, missing out on a General Assembly seat through the SOM route.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically on November 12. The Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) nominated P.T. Usha as its female representative to the IOA General Assembly, pairing her with the association’s Secretary General, Harjinder Singh. Her name promptly appeared on the provisional electoral college published by the IOA Electoral Officer.

While she wasn’t directly nominated for the presidency by IHAI, securing a seat as an authorized federation representative gives her the vital gateway needed to contest executive posts. In short: she lost one route but pivoted to another; no empty track in the sprint, let’s do the marathon.

2. Why didn’t the Athletics Federation nominate her?

Naturally, observers ask why an icon of Indian track and field isn’t representing athletics.

The mechanics of the IOA electoral college restrict each eligible National Sports Federation to just two representatives – one male and one female. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had already filled its quota with Adille Sumariwalla and Jyotirmoyee Sikdar.

This forced Usha to look outward. But does a representative have to be an athlete of that specific sport?

Not under current rules. Article 10.4 of the IOA Constitution dictates only that representatives must be members of the concerned federation; it does not mandate competitive history in that discipline. Thus, Usha’s track background does not legally disqualify her from representing ice hockey.

However, a massive threshold question remains: Was P.T. Usha an active, legitimate member of the Ice Hockey Association of India at the time of her nomination? With the IHAI website failing to publish a public membership roll, verification rests entirely on paperwork.

3. P.T. Usha’s IOA Presidential Eligibility Under the Constitution

Evaluating her eligibility requires separating two distinct hurdles:

• Hurdle 1: General Assembly Entry. Under Article 10.4, she must be a verified member of IHAI, backed by a proper authorization form signed by the federation’s President or Secretary General. When NNIS Sports asked IHAI Secretary General Harjinder Singh if Usha was a member prior to nomination, he affirmed, “Yes, she is a member of IHAI.” Yet, when pressed on her exact internal position, he demurred: “Whatever has been asked by the IOA has been submitted by us.”
• Hurdle 2: Presidential Candidacy. Article 11.1.10 provides an alternative safety net for presidential or treasurer candidates: applicants must either be an SOM or have previously served at least one full term as an IOA Executive Council member, President, Secretary General, or Treasurer. Having served as IOA President during the 2022–26 term, Usha clears this hurdle on paper—subject to the Electoral Officer’s final interpretation.

In short: her past tenure may qualify her to run for president, but it does not automatically validate her ice hockey membership.

4. IOA vs Sports Ministry: Ice Hockey Federation Recognition

The controversy deepens when examining institutional recognition.

While the Ice Hockey Association of India is listed on the official IOA website as an affiliated member and appears on the 2026 electoral roll, its government standing is entirely different. In a Rajya Sabha reply on February 5, 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports listed 53 officially recognized National Sports Federations as of December 31, 2025, and IHAI was absent. PTI reports similarly confirmed that the Sports Ministry recognizes no national body for ice hockey.

While government non-recognition does not automatically invalidate an IOA affiliation (as sports bodies maintain autonomous bylaws), it raises a glaring governance question: How does the IOA determine who represents a sport when the national government recognizes no governing body for that discipline?

5. What Happens Next in the IOA Election Controversy?

Critics have alleged quid pro quo, suggesting that IHAI received recognition during Usha’s presidency and is now returning the favour.

However, the historical record refutes this specific timeline. Media reports from October 2012 document an IOA Special General Body Meeting held on October 18, 2012, where the IOA officially granted provisional affiliation with voting rights to the Ice Hockey Association of India, a full decade before Usha assumed the IOA presidency in December 2022.

6. Internal factional wars within IHAI

Complicating matters further, the Ice Hockey Association of India is embroiled in an internal leadership feud.

According to reports from Hindustan Times, IHAI Vice-President Ajit Kakkar wrote to the IOA on November 12, urging them to debar the association from the 2026 elections. Kakkar demanded verification of an August 2 internal election and requested recognition of a rival governing body headed by Kunzang Namgail.

If the August 2 election is legally challenged, the authority of the officials who signed Usha’s nomination form comes directly into question, threatening to invalidate the nomination at its core.

7. What happens next?

The electoral timeline leaves a narrow window for scrutiny. Following provisional roll publications, objections were slated for November 13, verification for November 14, and the final electoral roll release on November 15.

The big picture

P.T. Usha’s manoeuvre has laid bare the vulnerabilities of Indian sports governance. An incumbent president loses a direct sporting merit vote, pivots to an unrelated federation, and relies on a body facing internal factional disputes and a lack of government recognition all while constitutional loopholes protect her presidential eligibility.

Whether this represents a masterstroke in rulebook navigation or an institutional loophole exploited to retain power will be decided not by headlines, but by the Electoral Officer’s desk. With the IOA elections locked for December 5, this stands as one of the sternest tests of transparency in Indian Olympic administration history.

Although India has no shortage of raw sporting talent, identifying promising athletes early and supporting them with structured facilities remains a major hurdle. To address this gap, SAI runs the National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC). Launched in 1985, the scheme scouts children between 8 and 14 years old and provides them with scientific coaching, financial support, and competitive exposure.

Importantly, NSTC follows a straightforward philosophy: young athletes should not have to sacrifice their education to pursue sporting excellence. Therefore, SAI adopts established schools and traditional sporting centres, allowing children to continue their regular studies while training like professionals.

What Is the Objective of the NSTC Scheme?

The primary goal of NSTC is to identify talent at the grassroots level and groom young prospects into future national and international medallists. Instead of focusing only on athletes who have already entered the national circuit, NSTC actively scouts schools, rural pockets, tribal belts, and traditional sporting hubs.

The scheme focuses on three core pillars:

• Early Identification: Scouting promising children aged 8 to 14 years.
• Structured Coaching: Providing scientific training under qualified SAI coaches.
• Competitive Pathways: Offering young athletes match exposure and a stepping stone towards higher-level SAI programmes.

The Three Pillars of NSTC

NSTC operates across three distinct verticals, with each one catering to a specific sporting ecosystem:

1. Regular Schools

SAI adopts schools that already have strong sports infrastructure and a proven track record in competitive sports. As a result, trainees can attend regular classes while receiving daily coaching, sports kits, and institutional support across 10 disciplines:

Sports covered: Athletics, Basketball, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Kho-Kho, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball, and Wrestling.

2. Indigenous Games & Martial Arts (IGMA)

Introduced in November 2001, the IGMA vertical promotes traditional Indian sports and martial arts. In particular, it focuses on rural and semi-urban regions where formal sports infrastructure is often scarce.

Through this vertical, SAI adopts schools and institutions to nurture young talent across nine traditional disciplines:

Sports covered: Archery, Gatka, Kabaddi, Kalaripayattu, Mukna, Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta, Silambam, and Khomlainai.

3. Akharas

Recognising the important role traditional wrestling centres play in Indian sport, SAI adopts established Akharas to modernise their training environments. To support this development, SAI provides adopted Akharas with experienced wrestling coaches, wrestling mats, multi-gym setups, sports kits, competition grants, stipends, and accidental insurance.

Eligibility and How SAI Selects Athletes

Although the baseline age bracket is 8 to 14 years, SAI permits age relaxations only in exceptional cases with approval from its Director General. However, age alone does not guarantee admission.

Similarly, children do not necessarily need to win national medals to qualify. Instead, SAI evaluates their existing achievements alongside their raw physical potential:

• Direct Consideration: SAI directly considers state and national-level medal winners, subject to medical fitness.
• Trial-Based Entry: District medallists and state-level participants can qualify by clearing physical fitness benchmarks and sporting potential tests.
• Grassroots Scouting: SAI identifies children from remote, tribal, and coastal areas through specially organised competitions.

The Five-Step Selection Process

SAI follows a five-step selection process to assess each candidate’s sporting potential:

1. Past Performance Review: Verification of district, state, or national competition records.
2. Age Verification: Official age checks before admission.
3. Medical Examination: Mandatory medical clearance.
4. Physical Fitness Battery: Standardised tests to measure speed, agility, endurance, and strength.
5. Scientific Assessment: A committee of SAI officials, coaches, school/Akhara representatives, and sports scientists conducts sport-specific anthropometric, physiological, and psychological evaluations.

Note for parents and athletes: SAI follows a decentralised schedule for NSTC trials through regional centres, state sports offices, and adopted schools throughout the year. Therefore, aspirants should regularly check notifications on the official SAI portal or contact their nearest SAI Regional Centre or District Sports Office for local trial dates.

Financial Assistance and Facilities Under NSTC

Under NSTC, selected trainees receive annual financial and equipment support. However, the assistance varies according to the vertical under which SAI selects them:

Residential vs. Non-Residential: How Training Works

Unlike full-time residential academies, NSTC primarily follows a non-residential model. Consequently, selected trainees continue living at home with their families while attending their adopted school or Akhara.

However, SAI makes an exception for only two adopted schools. At these institutions, trainees follow a residential arrangement and receive boarding and lodging instead of a monthly stipend.

Performance Monitoring and Progression

Admission into NSTC depends on performance rather than permanent enrolment. Therefore, SAI conducts half-yearly scientific assessments to monitor every athlete’s development.

Trainees must meet annual performance benchmarks to retain their places in the programme. Otherwise, SAI can remove athletes for failure to progress, age fraud, misconduct, or anti-doping violations.

For standout performers, however, NSTC can serve as a launchpad for bigger opportunities. Exceptionally talented athletes, particularly those excelling under the IGMA vertical, can receive recommendations for admission into higher-tier SAI facilities, including SAI Training Centres (STCs) and SAI Sports Academies, subject to discipline-specific eligibility norms.

This season has been one of the best in the history of Indian athletics, with around 30 national records being bettered in a single season. With the LA 2028 Olympics’ automatic qualification standards now published, several Indian athletes are closing in on the required marks. Here are five athletes and events to watch in the upcoming season.

This season has been one of the best in the history of Indian athletics, with around 30 national records being bettered in a single season.

With the LA 2028 Olympics’ automatic qualification standards now published, here is a look at the Indian athletes who are closest to these marks and could breach them in the upcoming season.

1. Murali Sreeshankar

The Asian Games silver medallist registered a season-best jump of 8.38m this season. What makes this performance even more impressive is that he achieved it after returning from a career-threatening injury.

He suffered another injury at the Asian Games, but given his previous comeback, we know he has the ability to return stronger next season. With the LA 2028 automatic qualification standard set at 8.30m, Sreeshankar will be looking to build on his performances and go even further.

Along with Sreeshankar, David P and Lokesh Sathyanathan have also registered jumps of 8.21m and 8.22m, respectively, this season. Both will be athletes to watch out for.

2. Gulveer Singh

India’s biggest hope in middle- and long-distance running, Gulveer Singh will be another athlete to watch out for next season.

He will be targeting the qualification standards in both the 5,000m and 10,000m. Although both standards are currently beyond his personal bests, Gulveer has demonstrated his potential in the past and will be aiming to better his national records and lifetime bests to secure Olympic qualification.

3. Ancy Sojan

One of the standout Indian athletes of 2026, Ancy Sojan will be another athlete to watch out for next season.

She broke the national record this season with a lifetime-best jump of 6.88m, just 2cm short of the LA 2028 automatic qualification standard of 6.90m.

Ancy has repeatedly expressed her ambition to cross the 7m mark, and she certainly has the potential to achieve it.

4. Sarvesh Kushare

India’s new national record holder in the men’s high jump, Sarvesh Kushare, cleared 2.31m to better the previous national record.

With the LA 2028 automatic qualification standard set at 2.32m, Kushare is just 1cm away. He will be aiming to produce another personal best and breach the Olympic qualification mark next season.

5. Men’s Javelin Throw

The men’s javelin throw automatic qualification standard of 85.50m appears to be one of the more achievable marks for Indian athletes.

This season, three Indian athletes, Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, have registered performances close to or beyond this benchmark. Considering India’s strength and depth in javelin throw, we can expect multiple athletes to challenge and potentially breach the automatic qualification standard next season.

The eligible National Sports Federations (NSFs) have submitted their lists of representatives for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Council elections, scheduled for December 5, 2026. P.T. Usha’s return to the electoral picture through the Ice Hockey Association of India is the biggest surprise.

The eligible National Sports Federations (NSFs) have shared their lists of representatives for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Council elections, scheduled for December 5, 2026.

The biggest surprise is the return of current IOA president P.T. Usha to the electoral picture. After losing the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) election, she was widely believed to be out of contention. However, the Ice Hockey Association of India has now recommended her name as its female representative.

Usha, a former track and field legend, was initially expected to be recommended by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). However, as we reported earlier, AFI was not planning to put forward her name. Her nomination through the Ice Hockey Federation is therefore a significant late development.

All 30 eligible federations have recommended two representatives each — one male and one female — taking the total to 60. Each representative will have one vote, making the federations’ representatives the largest voting bloc in the IOA Executive Council elections.

IOA Elections 2026: List of 60 Authorised Representatives

Note: This is a provisional list, and changes may be made in the coming days.

Two Athlete Representatives Also Finalised

Along with the 60 federation representatives, the names of two athlete representatives have also been finalised: Mirabai Chanu and Sajan Prakash.

Eight SOM Representatives Already Elected

Eight Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) representatives have already been elected.

Four Women Representatives

1. Anju Bobby George
2. Rani Rampal
3. Dola Banerjee
4. Saina Nehwal

In the men’s category, Gagan Narang, Kamlesh Navinchandra Mehta, Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijender Singh have already been elected unopposed.

With these names in place, we now have a clearer picture of the electorate that will vote in the IOA Executive Council elections on December 5, 2026.

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2027 Prohibited List introduces several changes and clarifications concerning peptides, hormone and metabolic modulators, cannabinoids, glucocorticoids and beta-blockers. The updated rules will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has approved its 2027 Prohibited List, which outlines the substances and methods that athletes are not permitted to use in sport. The List was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee during its meeting on September 10, 2026, and published on September 21, 2026.

The annual update is an important part of the global anti-doping framework. It helps athletes, coaches, medical personnel and sporting organisations understand which substances and methods are prohibited, whether during training, outside competition or specifically during competitions.

While several changes have been made for 2027, many of them are clarifications and additions of examples to existing prohibited categories rather than entirely new bans.

Understanding the WADA Prohibited List

Before looking at the changes, it is important to understand how WADA classifies prohibited substances.

The 2027 List divides prohibited substances and methods into three broad categories:

1. Substances and Methods Prohibited at All Times (In- and Out-of-Competition)

These substances and methods are prohibited throughout the year, including during training and recovery periods.

They include:

• S0 – Non-approved substances: Drugs and substances that do not have regulatory approval for human therapeutic use.
• S1 – Anabolic agents: Anabolic steroids and other substances that can promote muscle growth and increase physical strength.
• S2 – Peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances: Includes EPO, growth hormones and substances that influence the production of hormones and blood cells.
• S3 – Beta-2 agonists: A category that includes certain medicines used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• S4 – Hormone and metabolic modulators: Substances that influence hormone activity and the body’s metabolism.
• S5 – Diuretics and masking agents: Substances that increase urine production or can interfere with the detection of other prohibited substances.

The List also prohibits three categories of methods:

• M1 – Manipulation of blood and blood components: Includes blood doping and artificial methods of increasing oxygen delivery.
• M2 – Chemical and physical manipulation: Includes tampering with doping samples and certain intravenous infusions.
• M3 – Gene and cell doping: Includes the use of gene-editing, gene-transfer and cell-based technologies to enhance sporting performance.

2. Substances and Methods Prohibited In-Competition

These substances are prohibited during the competition period.

The categories include:

• S6 – Stimulants: Substances that stimulate the central nervous system.
• S7 – Narcotics: Certain pain-relieving substances.
• S8 – Cannabinoids: THC and other cannabinoids that mimic its effects.
• S9 – Glucocorticoids: Certain anti-inflammatory medicines when administered through prohibited routes.

WADA generally defines the In-Competition period as beginning at 11:59 p.m. on the day before an athlete’s scheduled competition and continuing until the end of the competition and the sample collection process. Different periods may apply when approved by WADA for a particular sport.

3. Substances Prohibited in Particular Sports

P1 – Beta-blockers: These medicines are prohibited in specific sports where they can provide an advantage, particularly by reducing heart rate and controlling physical symptoms such as tremors.

They are prohibited in sports including archery, automobile, billiards, darts, golf, mini-golf, shooting and underwater sports, subject to the specific competition and out-of-competition rules.

What Has Changed in the 2027 Prohibited List?

WADA has introduced modifications and clarifications across several sections.

1. Non-Approved Substances: Greater Clarity on Peptides

One of the important clarifications concerns peptides that have not been approved for human therapeutic use.

WADA explains that many peptides that are not approved by regulatory authorities for human use fulfil the criteria for inclusion in the Prohibited List.

Such substances may fall under the S0 category (Non-approved substances) or other categories, including S2 and S4.

The 2027 List now specifically mentions peptides as examples under S0.

This is important because a substance does not necessarily have to be individually named in the List to be prohibited. If it falls within an existing prohibited category, it can still be covered by the anti-doping rules.

WADA has also warned that some of these non-approved substances may pose health risks.

2. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators: New Examples Added

Several changes have been made to Section S4, which covers hormone and metabolic modulators.

The title of Section S4.2 has been expanded to include a broader description of anti-estrogenic substances, including Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) and Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs).

These substances influence the activity of estrogen receptors and are used in certain medical treatments.

Imlunestrant has been added as an example under this category.

WADA has also added further examples under the metabolic modulators section:

• Seladelpar: Added as an example of a PPAR-delta agonist.
• SLU-PP-332 and SLU-PP-915: Added as examples of metabolic modulators that act particularly on oxidative metabolism.

These changes help identify substances that fall under the existing prohibition on hormone and metabolic modulators.

3. Eplerenone and Finerenone Added Under Diuretics

Section S5 covers diuretics and masking agents, which are prohibited both in and out of competition.

For 2027, WADA has added two additional examples:

• Eplerenone
• Finerenone

Diuretics are medicines that increase the production of urine. They can potentially be misused to manipulate body weight or interfere with the detection of other substances.

The addition of these two medicines provides further clarity about the substances covered under this category.

4. Changes to the Cannabinoids Category

One of the notable updates concerns Section S8, which covers cannabinoids.

WADA has revised the wording to reflect scientific knowledge about the effects of different cannabinoids, particularly their similarity to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC).

Under the 2027 List, the prohibition focuses on THC and semi-synthetic or synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of Δ9-THC.

Examples include:

• Δ9-THC, commonly found in cannabis.
• Δ8-THC and Δ10-THC.
• Hexahydrocannabinols (HHC).
• Synthetic cannabinoids such as AB-FUBINACA and 5F-ADB.

What About CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is not a prohibited substance under WADA rules.

However, CBD products extracted from cannabis plants may contain varying concentrations of THC, which remains prohibited in competition.

Athletes should therefore be careful when using such products because the presence of THC may create an anti-doping problem.

5. Vaginal Administration of Glucocorticoids Now Permitted

Another important change has been introduced under Section S9, which covers glucocorticoids.

These medicines are commonly used to treat inflammation and various medical conditions.

Previously, WADA prohibited certain routes of administration during competition, including injectable, oral and rectal routes.

For 2027, vaginal administration has been explicitly added to the list of permitted routes.

This means that vaginal administration of glucocorticoids is not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.

Other permitted routes include inhaled and certain topical applications, such as dermal, intranasal, ophthalmological, otic and perianal administration, subject to the same conditions.

Important: Injectable, oral (including buccal, gingival and sublingual) and rectal administration of glucocorticoids remain prohibited In-Competition.

6. Changes to Beta-Blockers in Particular Sports

WADA has also updated Section P1, which covers beta-blockers.

These substances are prohibited in sports where reducing heart rate, controlling tremors or improving steadiness may provide a competitive advantage.

The relevant sports include:

• Archery
• Automobile
• Billiards
• Darts
• Golf
• Mini-golf
• Shooting
• Underwater sports

One clarification concerns billiards. WADA has removed the reference to “all disciplines” from the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) entry to align its wording with other international federations.

Beta-blockers are prohibited In-Competition in the listed sports. They are also prohibited Out-of-Competition in archery, shooting and the specified underwater sports disciplines, as marked in the List.

7. Clarification Concerning Substances of Abuse

WADA has also updated the wording in the introductory section concerning Substances of Abuse.

These substances include:

• Cocaine
• Diamorphine (heroin)
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The revised wording clarifies that the presence of metabolites of these substances should also be considered in the results management process when relevant.

In simple terms, anti-doping authorities may need to consider not only the substance itself but also its breakdown products when assessing a case.

WADA’s 2027 Monitoring Program: What Is Being Tracked?

Alongside the Prohibited List, WADA has also released its 2027 Monitoring Program.

There is an important difference between the two.

A prohibited substance is banned under anti-doping rules, whereas a monitored substance is being observed by WADA to identify possible patterns of misuse in sport.

Being included in the Monitoring Program does not, by itself, mean that a substance is prohibited.

The 2027 Monitoring Program covers the following:

1. Anabolic Agents

• Ecdysterone – In- and Out-of-Competition.

2. Peptide Hormones and Related Substances

• Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in females under 18 years of age only – In- and Out-of-Competition.

3. Hypoxen

• Polyhydroxyphenylene thiosulfonate sodium – In- and Out-of-Competition.

4. Stimulants

The following are monitored In-Competition only:

• Bupropion
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Phenylephrine
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Pipradrol
• Synephrine

5. Narcotics

The following are monitored In-Competition only:

• Dihydrocodeine
• Tapentadol

6. GLP-1 Agonists

The following substances are monitored both In- and Out-of-Competition:

• Semaglutide
• Tirzepatide

GLP-1 agonists are increasingly used in medical treatment, and WADA continues to monitor their use and potential effects in sport. Their inclusion in the Monitoring Program does not mean that they are currently prohibited solely under this programme.

It is also important to check whether a substance is independently covered by another section of the Prohibited List. For example, certain GnRH analogues are already prohibited under S2 in males, while their use in females under 18 is included in the Monitoring Program.

Substances Removed from the Monitoring Program

WADA has also removed several substances from its Monitoring Program after collecting sufficient information.

These include:

• Codeine
• Dermorphin and its analogues
• Hydrocodone
• Fentanyl and tramadol for Out-of-Competition monitoring.

However, this does not mean that every substance removed from the Monitoring Program has become permitted in all circumstances.

For example, fentanyl and tramadol remain listed as prohibited narcotics In-Competition under Section S7.

What Should Athletes and Coaches Do?

The annual update is particularly important for athletes who regularly use medication for injuries, illnesses or other medical conditions.

Some prohibited substances are also present in medicines prescribed for legitimate health reasons. These include certain medicines used to treat asthma, hormonal conditions, heart problems and inflammation.

Athletes should therefore:

1. Check the anti-doping status of every medication before using it.
2. Consult their team doctor or relevant anti-doping organisation when uncertain about a substance or its method of administration.
3. Pay attention to the route and dosage of prescribed medication, particularly for glucocorticoids.
4. Check supplements carefully, as products may contain ingredients that are prohibited under WADA rules.
5. Apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) when medically necessary treatment requires the use of a prohibited substance or method and the relevant criteria are met.

It is also worth remembering that WADA’s classification of a substance as a “Specified Substance” does not mean that it is less dangerous or less important than a non-Specified Substance. This distinction relates to how an anti-doping case is assessed under the World Anti-Doping Code.

The Bottom Line

The 2027 WADA Prohibited List brings several important clarifications for athletes and their support teams. From the treatment of non-approved peptides and the revised scope of cannabinoids to the permitted vaginal administration of glucocorticoids, the changes highlight the importance of understanding the updated anti-doping rules.

While some additions simply provide clearer examples of substances already covered by existing prohibitions, others clarify the circumstances in which particular substances and routes of administration are permitted.

The 2027 Prohibited List will officially come into force on January 1, 2027. Athletes, coaches, doctors and sports federations should familiarise themselves with the updated rules well before the new season begins.