City
Epaper

Witold Banka elected new WADA chief

By IANS | Updated: November 8, 2019 08:55 IST

Witold Banka, Poland's Minister for Sport and Tourism, has been elected as the new president of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) while double Olympic gold-medalist in short-track speed skating, Yang Yang has been elected as the new vice-president.

Open in App

The decision of the appointments were made at the fifth world conference on doping in sport which concluded on Thursday where new anti-doping code was approved as well, reports Xinhua news agency.

The new World Anti-Doping Code and seven international standards have been reviewed and approved during the conference. The standards for education and for results management are newly created as WADA ever listed.

WADA launched the review process of the new code and standards in December 2017. The new code, with some amendments on athletes' rights, anti-doping labs and test, punishment and sanctions, will take effect on January 1, 2021.

Craig Reedie, who handed over the top post to Banka believes the code and the standards underpin the entire global anti-doping program and have proven over time to be highly effective.

"In order for them to remain robust, they need to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape. Through the comprehensive consultation process that has led up to this point, we received a huge number of comments and contributions from stakeholders, the result of which is stronger regulations that will protect athletes and clean sport further," said Reedie.

Banka appreciated the assistance and useful tips from Reedie, saying it allows him to feel better to prepare for his role as new WADA chief.

"I want sustainable anti-doping programs around the world. Let me remind you that almost 10 per cent of the medals in 2016 Rio Olympics were won by athletes from the countries where there were no doping control programs at all or very limited. It should be changed," said Banka.

He also stated his goal and plan briefly in the coming years. "I want new approach to the laboratories. I need more of them. We also need to pay more attention to the anti-doping education for the athletes. We must work with all stakeholders and regain WADA's credibility."

Katowice Declaration was published at the final day of the conference as it calls upon all stakeholders in the anti-doping fight, including the sports movement, governments, anti-doping organisations, and athletes to reinforce efforts on strengthening cooperation to protect clean sport.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Craig ReedieWadaBankaXinhuaIans
Open in App

Related Stories

MaharashtraPalghar: 63-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Wada; Murder for Robbery Suspected

ThaneThane: Pothole-Ridden Bhiwandi-Wada Road Claims Life of 18-Year-Old

MaharashtraPalghar: Class 5 Student Dies of Suspected Snakebite at School in Wada; Parents Allege Delay in Hospital Transfer

NationalBihar: Over 900 Liquor Bottles Recovered From School Van in Banka (Watch)

InternationalMajor UK Railway Stations Hit by Cyber Attack; Network Rail Suspends Wi-Fi Service

Other Sports Realted Stories

Other SportsWPAC 2025: Brazil consolidates place at top, Debrunner wins fourth gold in New Delhi

Other SportsWomen's World Cup: Ex-Pakistan player Sana Mir in trouble after controversial reference to POK

Other SportsIndian veteran Gangjee well placed for International Series charge after rain-affected first round in Jakarta

Other SportsWPAC 2025: Practice in rain comes in handy as Dharambir wins silver in club throw

Other SportsPVL 2025: Hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks secure big win over defending champions Calicut Heroes