China’s anti-doping agency pledges to actively cooperate with WADA audit

China’s anti-doping agency, CHINADA, has announced its cooperation with a compliance audit ordered by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following a case involving 23 Chinese swimmers testing positive for a prescription heart drug. WADA has decided to send a compliance audit team to China to assess the country’s anti-doping program, which is run by CHINADA.

The swimmers in question tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a drug that can enhance performance, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, they were not sanctioned after Chinese authorities argued that the positive tests were due to food contamination. This decision has raised concerns and criticism from various quarters, including the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

In response to the criticism, CHINADA has defended its actions, stating that there have been false accusations and misleading reports from organizations like USADA and the media. They have accused these entities of spreading misinformation to attack WADA and CHINADA and disrupt the global anti-doping system.

WADA has taken the step of appointing an independent prosecutor to review its handling of the case and evaluate any potential bias or interference. The prosecutor will also assess the reasonableness of not challenging the verdict of food contamination in the swimmers’ cases.

The upcoming audit in China will include independent auditors from the anti-doping community and is part of WADA’s regular compliance monitoring program. The aim is to ensure transparency and integrity in the fight against doping in sports.