On the other hand, Howman was pleased with the rapid strides taken by the anti-doping laboratory in its bid to get accreditation from the global body. “The accreditation process for the anti-doping laboratory in New Delhi is well on its way. The mandatory testing is on, and if they pass all the stages, the accreditation should not take more than three-four months,” added Howman.

The WADA president said one of his top priorities would be to put pressure on governments that had not yet ratified the UNESCO convention against doping in sport.

Of the 191 countries that agreed to ratify the convention at the 2003 world conference on doping in Copenhagen, only 77 have so far done so.

“We need universal ratification of the UNESCO convention because it would give the anti-doping movement the tools required to tackle some of the major issues which are outside the purview of the sporting movement,” Fahey said.

“Without government support we cannot address many issues at national level, including the production, possession and distribution of banned substances. The sad reality is that many governments are yet to outlaw such practices.”

Fahey, who is also the first government representative to head the anti-doping body, intends to use his influence as a former minister to garner increased support from the public authorities.

Fahey said once the revised anti-doping code comes into play from January 1, 2009, it would be impossible for the non-compliant nations to host any major international event including the Olympic Games and the World Championships.

... contd.