Union Minister inaugurated Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU)

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi. This initiative marks a significant advancement in India’s anti-doping efforts, aligning the country with international standards and reinforcing its commitment to fair, clean, and ethical sports practices.

The APMU will enable longitudinal tracking of athletes’ biological markers under the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system, making it possible to detect doping patterns without directly identifying banned substances. This also positions India as a supportive leader for the Global South, offering expertise and resources to neighboring countries.

Key Points

Inauguration Details

• Inaugurated by: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Labour & Employment
• Date: 17 April 2025
• Location: National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi
• Attendees: Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi (Secretary, Sports), Shri Kunal (Joint Secretary), Prof. P. L. Sahu (CEO, NDTL), eminent scientists

What is the APMU (Athlete Passport Management Unit)?

• Specialized unit to monitor and manage Athlete Biological Passports (ABP)
• 17th APMU in the world; India’s first
• Tracks an athlete’s biological markers over time (blood parameters, hormonal levels, etc.)
• Aims to detect doping indirectly by identifying physiological anomalies

Significance for India & the Global South

• Enhances India’s anti-doping capabilities as per WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) standards
• Promotes regional collaboration—India to support neighboring countries with tools, training, and knowledge
• APMU acts as a “beacon of support for the Global South”
• Fosters solidarity and fairness in sports globally

Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) – Explained

• Electronic profile of an athlete’s biological markers collected over time
• Helps in detecting doping patterns without testing for specific banned substances
• Parameters include blood values, steroidal levels, etc.
• First conceptualized with scientific and medical input, refined by WADA

Objectives of APMU

• Ensure fair play and sports integrity
• Detect unethical practices without invasive testing
• Raise awareness about anti-doping in schools, colleges, and rural areas
• Encourage involvement of sports federations, educational institutions, and scientists in anti-doping education