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India moved to Category A over doping concerns; stricter anti-doping norms to follow KOLKATA: Indian athletes will have to go through stringent anti-doping stipulations, including minimum testing requirements, as the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has moved the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) from Category ‘B’ to ‘A’ because of the “consistently extremely high risk of doping in India.”The AIU, an independent body managing integrity related issues in international athletics, recently took the decision on the basis of Rule 15 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on categorisation of federations according to their doping risk to the sport.The AIU noted that India ranked in the top two for the most Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in athletics between 2022 and 2025. “In 2022, India recorded 48 ADRVs (2 nd); in 2023, 63 (2 nd); in 2024, 71 (1 st); and for 2025, India has recorded 30 ADRVs so far (1 st).”AIU chair David Howman said, “The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk.“While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed. The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of athletics, as we have done with other ‘Category A’ member federations.”Belarus, Bahrain, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia and Ukraine are there in Category ‘A.’“We will continue to work with the AIU and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in the battle against doping in Indian athletics. The AFI has been advocating to criminalise the perpetrators of doping, especially at the grassroots level. It will deter coaches and parents from resorting to doping young athletes,” said an AFI release.ALSO READ: World Athletics denies 11 athletes permission to change nationality to TurkiyeThe AFI expressed confidence that sooner than later India would be taken off Category ‘A.’The doping menace has seriously challenged India’s aspirations to host multi-sport events. The country – which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is interested in bidding for the 2036 Olympics – has been the table topper in overall dope positive cases for three consecutive years.During his recent visit to Delhi, WADA Director Witold Banka highlighted the issue of easy availability of performance enhancing drugs in India and sought Government agencies’ support to break supply lines.Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Government would introduce criminal provisions against those involved in administering or trafficking prohibited substances.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #India #moved #Category #doping #concerns #stricter #antidoping #norms #follow

India moved to Category A over doping concerns; stricter anti-doping norms to follow

KOLKATA: Indian athletes will have to go through stringent anti-doping stipulations, including minimum testing requirements, as the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has moved the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) from Category ‘B’ to ‘A’ because of the “consistently extremely high risk of doping in India.”

The AIU, an independent body managing integrity related issues in international athletics, recently took the decision on the basis of Rule 15 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on categorisation of federations according to their doping risk to the sport.

The AIU noted that India ranked in the top two for the most Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in athletics between 2022 and 2025. “In 2022, India recorded 48 ADRVs (2 nd); in 2023, 63 (2 nd); in 2024, 71 (1 st); and for 2025, India has recorded 30 ADRVs so far (1 st).”

AIU chair David Howman said, “The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk.

“While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed. The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of athletics, as we have done with other ‘Category A’ member federations.”

Belarus, Bahrain, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia and Ukraine are there in Category ‘A.’

“We will continue to work with the AIU and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in the battle against doping in Indian athletics. The AFI has been advocating to criminalise the perpetrators of doping, especially at the grassroots level. It will deter coaches and parents from resorting to doping young athletes,” said an AFI release.

ALSO READ: World Athletics denies 11 athletes permission to change nationality to Turkiye

The AFI expressed confidence that sooner than later India would be taken off Category ‘A.’

The doping menace has seriously challenged India’s aspirations to host multi-sport events. The country – which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is interested in bidding for the 2036 Olympics – has been the table topper in overall dope positive cases for three consecutive years.

During his recent visit to Delhi, WADA Director Witold Banka highlighted the issue of easy availability of performance enhancing drugs in India and sought Government agencies’ support to break supply lines.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Government would introduce criminal provisions against those involved in administering or trafficking prohibited substances.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#India #moved #Category #doping #concerns #stricter #antidoping #norms #follow

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KOLKATA: Indian athletes will have to go through stringent anti-doping stipulations, including minimum testing requirements, as the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has moved the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) from Category ‘B’ to ‘A’ because of the “consistently extremely high risk of doping in India.”

The AIU, an independent body managing integrity related issues in international athletics, recently took the decision on the basis of Rule 15 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on categorisation of federations according to their doping risk to the sport.

The AIU noted that India ranked in the top two for the most Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in athletics between 2022 and 2025. “In 2022, India recorded 48 ADRVs (2 nd); in 2023, 63 (2 nd); in 2024, 71 (1 st); and for 2025, India has recorded 30 ADRVs so far (1 st).”

AIU chair David Howman said, “The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk.

“While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed. The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of athletics, as we have done with other ‘Category A’ member federations.”

Belarus, Bahrain, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia and Ukraine are there in Category ‘A.’

“We will continue to work with the AIU and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in the battle against doping in Indian athletics. The AFI has been advocating to criminalise the perpetrators of doping, especially at the grassroots level. It will deter coaches and parents from resorting to doping young athletes,” said an AFI release.

ALSO READ: World Athletics denies 11 athletes permission to change nationality to Turkiye

The AFI expressed confidence that sooner than later India would be taken off Category ‘A.’

The doping menace has seriously challenged India’s aspirations to host multi-sport events. The country – which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is interested in bidding for the 2036 Olympics – has been the table topper in overall dope positive cases for three consecutive years.

During his recent visit to Delhi, WADA Director Witold Banka highlighted the issue of easy availability of performance enhancing drugs in India and sought Government agencies’ support to break supply lines.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Government would introduce criminal provisions against those involved in administering or trafficking prohibited substances.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

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Deadspin | Blue Jays score 8 runs in first in rout of Diamondbacks Apr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Kazuma Okamoto homered, doubled and drove in three runs, Nathan Lukes had three hits and three RBIs, and the Toronto Blue Jays used an eight-run first inning to cruise to a 10-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Sunday. Okamoto had a two-run double in the first and leadoff man Lukes had two hits in the frame, including a three-run double to cap the big inning off Ryne Nelson (1-2), who retired one of the 10 batters he faced. Vladimir Guerrero had three hits and two RBIs to extend his hitting streak to 10 games and Ernie Clement had two doubles as the Jays broke a four-game losing streak while tying season highs for runs and hits. Okamoto homered in the third, his third of the season and first since March 30. He was in a 2 for 28 skid until singling twice in Arizona’s 6-2 win Saturday. Jorge Barrosa had a two-run homer and Adrian Del Castillo had two hits and an RBI-double for the D-Backs, who had won four in a row and 10 of 13. Barrosa replaced Corbin Carroll in the top of the fifth inning after Carroll left with low back tightness, the Diamondbacks said. Kevin Gausman (1-1) gave up two runs on seven hits in six innings, with four strikeouts and one walk. D-Backs first baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a single to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 15 games, a franchise record. He has an 18-game hitting streak dating to last September, the longest active streak in the majors. The Jays had seven straight hits to open the game off Nelson and led 2-0 after eight pitches, 5-0 after 20 pitches and 8-0 after 30 pitches when Lukes’s three-run double knocked out Nelson. Guerrero had a two-run single, Eloy Jimenez singled in a run and Okamoto had a two-run double to give the Jays a 5-0 lead. After a walk and a strikeout, Lukes lined an opposite field double into the left-field corner. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #score #runs #rout #DiamondbacksApr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kazuma Okamoto homered, doubled and drove in three runs, Nathan Lukes had three hits and three RBIs, and the Toronto Blue Jays used an eight-run first inning to cruise to a 10-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Sunday.

Okamoto had a two-run double in the first and leadoff man Lukes had two hits in the frame, including a three-run double to cap the big inning off Ryne Nelson (1-2), who retired one of the 10 batters he faced.

Vladimir Guerrero had three hits and two RBIs to extend his hitting streak to 10 games and Ernie Clement had two doubles as the Jays broke a four-game losing streak while tying season highs for runs and hits.

Okamoto homered in the third, his third of the season and first since March 30. He was in a 2 for 28 skid until singling twice in Arizona’s 6-2 win Saturday.

Jorge Barrosa had a two-run homer and Adrian Del Castillo had two hits and an RBI-double for the D-Backs, who had won four in a row and 10 of 13.


Barrosa replaced Corbin Carroll in the top of the fifth inning after Carroll left with low back tightness, the Diamondbacks said.

Kevin Gausman (1-1) gave up two runs on seven hits in six innings, with four strikeouts and one walk.

D-Backs first baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a single to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 15 games, a franchise record. He has an 18-game hitting streak dating to last September, the longest active streak in the majors.

The Jays had seven straight hits to open the game off Nelson and led 2-0 after eight pitches, 5-0 after 20 pitches and 8-0 after 30 pitches when Lukes’s three-run double knocked out Nelson.

Guerrero had a two-run single, Eloy Jimenez singled in a run and Okamoto had a two-run double to give the Jays a 5-0 lead. After a walk and a strikeout, Lukes lined an opposite field double into the left-field corner.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #score #runs #rout #Diamondbacks">Deadspin | Blue Jays score 8 runs in first in rout of Diamondbacks Apr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Kazuma Okamoto homered, doubled and drove in three runs, Nathan Lukes had three hits and three RBIs, and the Toronto Blue Jays used an eight-run first inning to cruise to a 10-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Sunday. Okamoto had a two-run double in the first and leadoff man Lukes had two hits in the frame, including a three-run double to cap the big inning off Ryne Nelson (1-2), who retired one of the 10 batters he faced. Vladimir Guerrero had three hits and two RBIs to extend his hitting streak to 10 games and Ernie Clement had two doubles as the Jays broke a four-game losing streak while tying season highs for runs and hits. Okamoto homered in the third, his third of the season and first since March 30. He was in a 2 for 28 skid until singling twice in Arizona’s 6-2 win Saturday. Jorge Barrosa had a two-run homer and Adrian Del Castillo had two hits and an RBI-double for the D-Backs, who had won four in a row and 10 of 13. Barrosa replaced Corbin Carroll in the top of the fifth inning after Carroll left with low back tightness, the Diamondbacks said. Kevin Gausman (1-1) gave up two runs on seven hits in six innings, with four strikeouts and one walk. D-Backs first baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a single to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 15 games, a franchise record. He has an 18-game hitting streak dating to last September, the longest active streak in the majors. The Jays had seven straight hits to open the game off Nelson and led 2-0 after eight pitches, 5-0 after 20 pitches and 8-0 after 30 pitches when Lukes’s three-run double knocked out Nelson. Guerrero had a two-run single, Eloy Jimenez singled in a run and Okamoto had a two-run double to give the Jays a 5-0 lead. After a walk and a strikeout, Lukes lined an opposite field double into the left-field corner. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #score #runs #rout #Diamondbacks

Deadspin | Big East commish Val Ackerman retiring after 13 years Big East Conference commissioner Val Ackerman speaks during a Xavier University basketball preseason preview event at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Big East Conference commissioner Val Ackerman announced her retirement on Monday after 13 years as one of the most powerful women in college sports. Ackerman, 66, is leaving her position on Aug. 31. A national search for her successor will commence immediately, the league said in a news release. “It’s been an extraordinary honor for me to serve as the Commissioner of one of the most prestigious and storied organizations in college sports,” Ackerman said. “… With our long-term business deals securely in place and knowing we have strong, focused leadership on our campuses, I am confident that the future of the conference, and Big East basketball in particular, is very bright, and I believe the time is right for me to hand off the baton.” Ackerman was named the Big East’s fifth commissioner on June 26, 2013. She guided a period of transition after Butler, Creighton and Xavier joined seven existing members (DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Villanova) for the 2013-14 season. She also led the negotiations that brought Connecticut back to the league in 2020. League members have won four men’s national championships since her arrival — more than any other conference: Villanova (2016, 2018) and UConn (2023, 2024). “When we re-founded the Big East in 2013 as a basketball-centric conference, our first task was to find a commissioner who could provide the strategic vision needed to position us as a basketball peer with the power football conferences and compete with the country’s best,” said St. John’s president Rev. Brian J. Shanley, chair of the Big East board of directors. “We found that visionary leader in Val Ackerman. Val has leveraged our partnerships with FOX Sports and Madison Square Garden to create a platform that has produced five basketball national champions (four men’s and one’s women’s) in the past decade, and she has built a strong foundation for future success. She leaves big shoes to fill.” Ackerman has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Big #East #commish #Val #Ackerman #retiring #yearsBig East Conference commissioner Val Ackerman speaks during a Xavier University basketball preseason preview event at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.

Big East Conference commissioner Val Ackerman announced her retirement on Monday after 13 years as one of the most powerful women in college sports.

Ackerman, 66, is leaving her position on Aug. 31. A national search for her successor will commence immediately, the league said in a news release.

“It’s been an extraordinary honor for me to serve as the Commissioner of one of the most prestigious and storied organizations in college sports,” Ackerman said.

“… With our long-term business deals securely in place and knowing we have strong, focused leadership on our campuses, I am confident that the future of the conference, and Big East basketball in particular, is very bright, and I believe the time is right for me to hand off the baton.”


Ackerman was named the Big East’s fifth commissioner on June 26, 2013. She guided a period of transition after Butler, Creighton and Xavier joined seven existing members (DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Villanova) for the 2013-14 season. She also led the negotiations that brought Connecticut back to the league in 2020.

League members have won four men’s national championships since her arrival — more than any other conference: Villanova (2016, 2018) and UConn (2023, 2024).

“When we re-founded the Big East in 2013 as a basketball-centric conference, our first task was to find a commissioner who could provide the strategic vision needed to position us as a basketball peer with the power football conferences and compete with the country’s best,” said St. John’s president Rev. Brian J. Shanley, chair of the Big East board of directors.

“We found that visionary leader in Val Ackerman. Val has leveraged our partnerships with FOX Sports and Madison Square Garden to create a platform that has produced five basketball national champions (four men’s and one’s women’s) in the past decade, and she has built a strong foundation for future success. She leaves big shoes to fill.”

Ackerman has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Big #East #commish #Val #Ackerman #retiring #years">Deadspin | Big East commish Val Ackerman retiring after 13 years Big East Conference commissioner Val Ackerman speaks during a Xavier University basketball preseason preview event at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Big East Conference commissioner Val Ackerman announced her retirement on Monday after 13 years as one of the most powerful women in college sports. Ackerman, 66, is leaving her position on Aug. 31. A national search for her successor will commence immediately, the league said in a news release. “It’s been an extraordinary honor for me to serve as the Commissioner of one of the most prestigious and storied organizations in college sports,” Ackerman said. “… With our long-term business deals securely in place and knowing we have strong, focused leadership on our campuses, I am confident that the future of the conference, and Big East basketball in particular, is very bright, and I believe the time is right for me to hand off the baton.” Ackerman was named the Big East’s fifth commissioner on June 26, 2013. She guided a period of transition after Butler, Creighton and Xavier joined seven existing members (DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Villanova) for the 2013-14 season. She also led the negotiations that brought Connecticut back to the league in 2020. League members have won four men’s national championships since her arrival — more than any other conference: Villanova (2016, 2018) and UConn (2023, 2024). “When we re-founded the Big East in 2013 as a basketball-centric conference, our first task was to find a commissioner who could provide the strategic vision needed to position us as a basketball peer with the power football conferences and compete with the country’s best,” said St. John’s president Rev. Brian J. Shanley, chair of the Big East board of directors. “We found that visionary leader in Val Ackerman. Val has leveraged our partnerships with FOX Sports and Madison Square Garden to create a platform that has produced five basketball national champions (four men’s and one’s women’s) in the past decade, and she has built a strong foundation for future success. She leaves big shoes to fill.” Ackerman has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Big #East #commish #Val #Ackerman #retiring #years

Deadspin | Report: Bulls narrowing search for top executive role Dec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; A detailed view of the Chicago Bulls logo on the shorts of Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the first half against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images The Chicago Bulls received permission to interview five candidates to be their new head of basketball operations, ESPN reported Monday. The Bulls plan to start meetings this week with Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior VP Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep, per the report. Chicago is also expected to interview agent Austin Brown, co-head of CAA’s basketball division, sources told ESPN. On April 6, the Bulls parted ways with executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after six seasons and just one playoff appearance. Coming off a 31-51 campaign, the Bulls reportedly want to hire their new decision-maker prior to the May 10-17 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. No matter who gets the job, head coach Billy Donovan’s job appears to be safe thanks to his public backing by Bulls chief executive and president Michael Reinsdorf. “If I interview someone and they’re not sold on Billy, they’re not sold on a Hall of Fame coach; they’re not sold on a person who’s won championships in college, who’s gone deep in the playoffs with Oklahoma City,” Reinsdorf said earlier this month. “… If Billy wants to be our coach and someone’s not interested in that, then they’re probably not the right candidate for us.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Bulls #narrowing #search #top #executive #roleDec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; A detailed view of the Chicago Bulls logo on the shorts of Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the first half against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls received permission to interview five candidates to be their new head of basketball operations, ESPN reported Monday.

The Bulls plan to start meetings this week with Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior VP Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep, per the report.

Chicago is also expected to interview agent Austin Brown, co-head of CAA’s basketball division, sources told ESPN.


On April 6, the Bulls parted ways with executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after six seasons and just one playoff appearance.

Coming off a 31-51 campaign, the Bulls reportedly want to hire their new decision-maker prior to the May 10-17 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

No matter who gets the job, head coach Billy Donovan’s job appears to be safe thanks to his public backing by Bulls chief executive and president Michael Reinsdorf.

“If I interview someone and they’re not sold on Billy, they’re not sold on a Hall of Fame coach; they’re not sold on a person who’s won championships in college, who’s gone deep in the playoffs with Oklahoma City,” Reinsdorf said earlier this month. “… If Billy wants to be our coach and someone’s not interested in that, then they’re probably not the right candidate for us.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Bulls #narrowing #search #top #executive #role">Deadspin | Report: Bulls narrowing search for top executive role Dec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; A detailed view of the Chicago Bulls logo on the shorts of Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the first half against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images The Chicago Bulls received permission to interview five candidates to be their new head of basketball operations, ESPN reported Monday. The Bulls plan to start meetings this week with Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior VP Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep, per the report. Chicago is also expected to interview agent Austin Brown, co-head of CAA’s basketball division, sources told ESPN. On April 6, the Bulls parted ways with executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after six seasons and just one playoff appearance. Coming off a 31-51 campaign, the Bulls reportedly want to hire their new decision-maker prior to the May 10-17 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. No matter who gets the job, head coach Billy Donovan’s job appears to be safe thanks to his public backing by Bulls chief executive and president Michael Reinsdorf. “If I interview someone and they’re not sold on Billy, they’re not sold on a Hall of Fame coach; they’re not sold on a person who’s won championships in college, who’s gone deep in the playoffs with Oklahoma City,” Reinsdorf said earlier this month. “… If Billy wants to be our coach and someone’s not interested in that, then they’re probably not the right candidate for us.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Bulls #narrowing #search #top #executive #role

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