In News:

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has launched a nationwide appeal to strengthen the fight against doping in sports, urging athletes, coaches, and the entire sporting community to embrace the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India's ‘Know Your Medicine (KYM)’ app.

Introduction to KYM App

• Launch: The app was launched by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, to combat doping in sports.
• Developer: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India.
• Purpose: To prevent inadvertent doping by allowing athletes to check whether a medicine contains substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Key Features of the KYM App

• Medicine Verification: The app enables athletes to verify if any medicine or its ingredients contain banned substances listed by WADA.
• Image and Audio Search: Unique search features help users easily search for specific sport-related information.
• Customizable Search: Users can select their sport category and receive relevant, sport-specific information.
• User-Friendly: Designed for athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to quickly verify medicines and ensure clean competition.

Importance of KYM App

• Supporting Clean Sports: The app promotes a fair and ethical sporting culture by reducing the risk of inadvertent doping.
• Integrity of Sports: Helps athletes avoid penalties or bans due to accidental doping, maintaining the integrity of the competition.
• Accessible Information: Provides easy access to information regarding medicines that may contain banned substances, which is crucial for athletes' health and careers.

NADA India's Mission

• Anti-Doping Awareness: The KYM app is part of NADA India’s broader initiative to educate athletes and raise awareness about the dangers of doping.
• Goal: To promote dope-free sports and ensure that athletes and coaches are equipped with the tools needed for compliance with anti-doping regulations.

NADA India: Background and Functions

• Established: NADA India was set up in November 2005 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Mission: To serve as the independent Anti-Doping Organization for India, aiming to create a doping-free sporting environment.
• Key Functions:
  • Implementing Anti-Doping Code: Ensuring compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code among all sports organizations in India.
  • Dope Testing Program: Coordinating a national dope testing program with stakeholders across various sports.
  • Promoting Research and Education: Encouraging research on anti-doping and educating athletes on the importance of staying clean.
  • Adopting Best Practices: Ensuring the implementation of high-quality standards for anti-doping programs.

Impact and Significance

• Preventing Doping: The KYM app helps prevent inadvertent doping incidents by providing athletes with the necessary tools to check their medicines.
• Supporting Athletes: It provides athletes with a reliable way to avoid banned substances in over-the-counter medications, thus safeguarding their careers.
• National and International Compliance: Supports India’s commitment to complying with international anti-doping norms, contributing to a global effort to maintain fairness in sports.