This biennial conference received the participation of Government representatives and representatives of the National Anti-Doping Organisation of 29 nations from Asia and Oceania along with the presence of representatives of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UNESCO… The objectives of the conference include the review and assessment of the agencies’ activities in the period 2016-2017 as well as the agreement on the agenda for 2018. The 14th Asia/Oceania Region Intergovernmental Ministerial Conference on Anti-Doping in Sport also aims at assessing the implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code.
Discussion and annual reports were given by WADA and the participating nations over the implementation and application of the Anti-Doping Code in the world.
All 29 participating nations at the conference presented their reports on their achievements, challenges and solutions during the implementation of the code in 2016.
Ms Le Thi Hoang Yen, Deputy Chairwoman of the Vietnam Sports Administration gave a report on the Anti-Doping measures taken in Vietnam during 2016. The reports emphasised the successes achieved at the 5th Asian Beach Games in Danang city with regards to the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code: Sampling and testing athletes’ blood and urine, managing results and sanctioning athletes before and during the Games. Over 300 urine samples were properly collected in accordance with the regulations and were sent to the testing laboratory in Thailand. The results came back with one sample tested positive for Doping and was dealt with accordingly. The Vietnam Anti-Doping and Sports Medicine Agencyheld multiple sessions during the year for promoting and educating athletes and coaches about Anti-Doping across the country. Over 2000 people attended the sessions which help improve the awareness of athletes about their rights and obligations over Anti-Doping.
The meeting in Hangzhou has drawn the recommendation that WADA should develop policies for aiding developing countries in training and educating people about Anti-Doping as well as translating the Anti-Doping code and guidelines intoseveral languages.
Discussion was also held over the solution for promoting nations to engage in collaborative projects with UNESCO in the fight against the use of Doping. UNESCO continually provides support to scientific research projects related to Anti-Doping in several countries./.