Guangzhou: Senior officials from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lauded China's commitment to anti-doping education and emphasized the importance of global collaboration in the fight for clean sport during their visit to the country's 15th National Games.

According to Namibia Press Agency, WADA President Witold Banka, Vice President Yang Yang, and Director General Olivier Niggli made the comments in an exclusive interview with Xinhua after a tour of the Guangdong Anti-Doping Education and Science Base, a key stop on their itinerary for the Games. Banka noted the significance of educating athletes and highlighted the complexity of anti-doping for athletes and coaches. Niggli appreciated the practical value of the facility, emphasizing the real-world application for athletes.

The visit to the base, one of the best among 24 such facilities across China, underscores China's "prevention first, education as the foundation" principle, which has gained increasing international recognition. Banka emphasized the need for global collaboration and mentioned ongoing efforts with the Chinese government to enhance the anti-doping system.

Niggli discussed a WADA Intelligence and Investigations project expanding into Asia, counting on collaboration from Chinese authorities to combat traffickers and producers of prohibited substances. Banka highlighted the project's success in Europe, leading to significant confiscations and closures of illegal laboratories, with plans to expand the network globally by 2029.

Looking ahead, the officials talked about the upcoming World Conference on Doping in Sport in South Korea, focusing on incorporating human rights into the code, protecting minor athletes, and ensuring testing independence. Banka identified the "politicization of anti-doping" as a challenge and expressed concerns over its use as a tool against WADA.

Despite these challenges, Banka took pride in WADA's progress in establishing anti-doping education systems and setting international standards. He emphasized the importance of prevention and support alongside catching and punishing violations.

Banka and his delegation plan to meet students at Guangzhou Sport University, Hong Kong Baptist University, and Macao Polytechnic University to promote anti-doping values. Yang stressed the importance of engaging young people in the future of anti-doping efforts.