A Group Photo in Anti-Doping Center

20 Nov 2010, Guangzhou, China: Nestled in the corner of the 16th Asian Games Athletes' Village dining hall is the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) awareness booth. It is around two-thirty on a Friday afternoon and the place is buzzing with people who seem to be attracted like bees to honey. Step inside and you will immediately notice groups of athletes huddling around computer screens, while others are proudly posing for the camera with their prize in hand after successfully completing a drug awareness quiz which is currently available in 24 languages.

Established in 1999 as an independent agency composed and funded by the sport movement and governments of the world, WADA’s key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities and monitoring the Code, which is a document harmonizing anti-doping policies in all sports and in all countries.

Like many of its outreach programs all over the world, they are here on a mission to create a true playing field for all athletes, so it is vital to them to get their message across loud and clear that the athlete is ultimately responsible for what he or she consumes, hence education is key.

Understanding this message is Vikash Sharma who is representing India in karate. While playing the quiz he says, “Drugs improve performance but it is against nature and it is unethical."

And according to Muhammad Nasrum, a sepak takraw athlete from Indonesia who has taken part in several competitions in other countries, “I have seen this booth before but I keep coming back as I think this is a great outlet that provides information to all athletes regarding the fight against doping.”

And it is not just the athletes who find the booth informative. Mehran Hatami, a basketball coach from the Islamic Republic of Iran, has asked all his players to come here to understand the seriousness of the fight against doping and how important it is for their health and careers as sportsmen.

He is appreciative of WADA in helping create a level playing field and he is certainly not alone.

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