India Unveils Comprehensive Draft Code to Combat Age Fraud in Sports

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports released a draft of the National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports 2025 to address age fraud and improve transparency and accountability in Indian sports. Key initiatives include mandatory age verification, strict penalties, whistleblower incentives, and a centralized digital database.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has put forth a groundbreaking draft of the National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, inviting public and stakeholder feedback. This move is aimed at safeguarding genuine athletes and maintaining sports integrity across India.

The proposed code promises fair competition by deploying a robust age verification system, penalizing fraudulent acts, and aligning with global benchmarks in sports governance. Central to the code is the creation of a digital database to lock in athletes' verified ages, preventing future manipulations.

Highlight measures include implementing a confidential platform encouraging whistle-blowers, a one-time amnesty program for self-disclosure, and a two-tier appellate system for dispute resolution. Additionally, the code mandates NSFs and the Sports Authority of India to ensure compliance, promoting a culture of accountability and transparency.

(With inputs from agencies.)