Coordinated anti-doping efforts to safeguard fair play at National Games

With strict and vigilant anti-doping measures put in place across three hosting regions in coordination, organizers of the 15th National Games boast confidence to host a clean sporting gala event that honors integrity and fair play.

Citing Team China's clean record competing at international events in recent years, the General Administration of Sport of China, the country's central sports governing body, has pledged to implement a stringent and coordinated anti-doping system, adhering to the country's always "zero-tolerance" policy against doping to ensure that the Games will be a clean sporting extravaganza and athletes will be competing in a safe and clean environment.

With the quadrennial multi-sports event being held jointly for the first time in Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, organizers have stepped it up a gear in coordination to overcome challenges for doping control posed by the different legal and logistical systems in each hosting area.

"We've been advancing ahead with deployment of the anti-doping measures for the 15th National Games on an integrated framework together with organizers in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao," Li Jing, a deputy director of the Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games, said during a news conference in Guangzhou on Saturday.

"We will collaborate with all relevant departments to conduct comprehensive work on doping prevention and control," said Li, who is also a vice-minister of GASC.

A total of 188 doping control officers have been appointed to carry out inspections in accordance with international standards, Li said, adding that anti-doping education activities have also been launched.

"With all necessary efforts and measures implemented under strengthened supervision and inspection, we will ensure the successful hosting of a clean and fair edition of the National Games."

Without a unified games village, which used to accommodate all athletes within one compound at previous events, the GASC has deployed doping-control officials and staff to conduct on-site inspections in each hosting region, while fully respecting the differences in policies and conditions between Hong Kong, Macao, and cities in Guangdong.

Efforts were made to ensure coordination and consistency across anti-doping efforts in all three regions, Li said.

To address risks related to contaminated food, improper medical treatment and medications, the GASC has been working closely with relevant departments and organizers in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to guide their anti-doping initiatives.

In terms of food safety, two centralized hubs for food processing and supply have been established in Guangzhou and Shenzhen to cover all competition zones.

Processes, including unified procurement, testing, and distribution of food, have been implemented as well under a coordinated framework to mitigate risks of food-borne contamination.

A food safety monitoring system has been working effectively, covering the entire supply chain — from purchase, storage, and testing to cooking and dining — to ensure that athletes are provided with clean, safe, and healthy food at all designated official hotels.

Additionally, organizers and doping control staff have conducted random inspections at drug stores and hospitals near athlete accommodation facilities to ensure a clean and safe environment for athletes, according to Li.

All athletes have been required to undergo anti-doping education, pass exams on anti-doping policies and knowledge, and sign a commitment letter before they were allowed to register for their respective sports competitions.