Neeraj Chopra Continues in Global Anti-Doping Spotlight For 2026

Javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Sachin Yadav are the only Indian athletes included in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest update from World Athletics' anti-doping watchdog. While two-time Olympic medalist Chopra has been a consistent name on the RTP list due to his global stature, Yadav makes his debut following a strong showing in 2025, including a fourth-place finish at the World Championships, where he outperformed Chopra, who placed eighth amid ongoing fitness concerns. The Asian Championships silver medalist's inclusion reflects his rising international profile and the AIU's focus on monitoring high-potential competitors.

The Registered Testing Pool comprises athletes subject to rigorous, out-of-competition testing to ensure compliance with anti-doping regulations. Being named in the RTP requires athletes to provide accurate whereabouts information for at least three months in advance, enabling the AIU and national anti-doping agencies to conduct no-notice tests at any time. Chopra's regular presence in the pool underscores his status as one of the sport's leading figures, while Yadav's entry marks his emergence as a serious medal contender on the global stage.

For Neeraj Chopra, the 2025 season was challenging due to persistent fitness issues that affected his performance at the World Championships. Despite the eighth-place finish, he remains India's most decorated javelin thrower, with Olympic gold (Tokyo 2020) and silver (Paris 2024), alongside multiple Diamond League titles. Sachin Yadav, meanwhile, has rapidly progressed in recent years, earning recognition through consistent performances and strong results against top competition. His fourth-place finish at the World Championships highlighted his ability to compete at the elite level.

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The AIU's decision to place both athletes in the RTP for Q1 2026 ensures continued monitoring as India looks to build on its growing presence in javelin throw. With major events on the horizon, including the 2026 Asian Games and the lead-up to the next Olympic cycle, the inclusion of Chopra and Yadav in the testing pool is seen as a standard procedure for athletes at the forefront of the discipline. Their presence in the RTP reflects both their achievements and the expectations placed on them to maintain the highest standards of fair play.

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