Beijing, China—The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) has announced its full commitment to cooperate with the forthcoming compliance audit initiated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The audit aims to assess CHINADA’s adherence to the World Anti-Doping Code and evaluate the effectiveness of its current anti-doping program.
The announcement comes in the wake of a 2021 incident where a group of Chinese swimmers tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a prohibited substance. The athletes attributed the positive results to inadvertent exposure through contamination. After a thorough review by WADA’s Science Department and external legal counsel, the athletes were found to have “no fault or negligence” in the matter.
In response to recent allegations questioning WADA’s handling of the case, WADA has invited independent prosecutor Eric Cottier to conduct a comprehensive review. “In light of the damaging and baseless allegations… WADA has responded to calls and invited an independent prosecutor… to conduct a thorough review of WADA’s handling of the matter,” WADA stated.
CHINADA expressed support for WADA’s decision to bring in an independent reviewer, seeing it as a demonstration of fairness and transparency. “We will actively cooperate and provide assistance where needed,” CHINADA affirmed in an official statement.
The cooperation between CHINADA and WADA underscores a mutual commitment to maintaining the integrity of sports and ensuring that all anti-doping regulations are upheld. The upcoming audit is expected to strengthen anti-doping efforts and reinforce trust in the global athletic community.
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China Anti-Doping Agency will actively cooperate with WADA audit
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