Coordinated anti-doping effort in full swing

With coordinated, strict and vigilant anti-doping measures deployed across the three hosting regions, organizers of the 15th National Games are confident in delivering a clean sporting gala that safeguards integrity and fair play.

Citing Team China's spotless record at recent international competitions, the General Administration of Sport of China has pledged that, by implementing a stringent and coordinated doping-control system, adhering to the country's "zero-tolerance "policy against drug use, the athletes at the Games will be competing in a safe and clean sporting extravaganza.

Measures even involve organizers and doping-control officers conducting inspections at drug stores and hospitals around designated athlete hotels in each host city to guard against contamination risks and ensure a clean and safe environment, according to GASC, China's sports ministry.

The groundbreaking nature of the Games — being held for the first time by Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions — has posed a challenge for the anti-doping program, due to the different legal systems and logistical conditions across borders in each of the hosting areas.

Li Jing, a vice-minister of GASC, draws confidence through the strong teamwork between the sports governing body, local organizers and anti-doping authorities that the doping-control efforts won't be compromised in any way.

"We've been moving 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," said Li, who's also a deputy director on the Games' organizing committee.

"We will maintain a constantly tough stance against any violations, punish without hesitation when necessary and stick to the 'zero-tolerance' policy against doping," he said.

Thanks to effective efforts, including education and examination of athletes, and the quality monitoring of food, medicine and nutritional supplements, Chinese delegations have completed triumphant campaigns at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, 2024 Paris Olympics and 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games without any doping violations.

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

The China Anti-Doping Agency has set up education workshops at Games hotels — with 68 in Guangdong, five in Hong Kong and one in Macao — with support from local organizers, to provide athletes with necessary knowledge and practical tips against doping violations.

Without a unified Games village to accommodate all athletes within one compound, as was the case at previous events, 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 policies and regulations in all three regions, Li added.

To address risks related to contaminated food, improper medical treatment and medications, 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 to handle food processing and supply have been established in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, another major city in Guangdong province near Hong Kong, to cover all competition zones.

Measures to mitigate risks of food-borne contamination, including the procurement, testing and distribution of food, have also been implemented under a coordinated framework.

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

All athletes have also been required to undergo pre-Games anti-doping education, pass exams on anti-doping policies and sign a commitment letter before being allowed to sign up for their respective competitions.

"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," said Li.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn