Paraguay has officially established a National Anti-Doping Agency, marking a significant move to create a more transparent and competitive national sports system. This initiative, driven by the Executive Branch, aims to reinforce integrity and fair play throughout the country’s athletic landscape.
The new body is designed to provide a robust framework for clean sport. Consequently, it will align Paraguay with international best practices and regulations.
A strategic move for South American sport
The Executive Secretary of the new agency, Silvia Patiño, highlighted the importance of this development. During an interview with state television, she emphasised that the institution’s creation positions the country at the forefront of the fight against doping in South America.
The National Anti-Doping Agency, known as ANAD-PY, is led by Patiño, a distinguished athlete and legal professional. She is a South American gold medallist in Fitness from the 2022 ASU Games. Furthermore, she is a qualified lawyer and notary with academic training in legal sciences, governance, and university teaching.
According to Patiño, the institution will focus on four principal functions: education, prevention, control, and the combating of doping. These activities will be carried out in strict compliance with the guidelines set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Moreover, all operations will adhere to the World Anti-Doping Code, ensuring that Paraguayan standards meet the global benchmark for anti-doping programmes.
Reorganisation of state resources
The official also clarified the financial structure of the new agency. Patiño noted that the process does not involve an increase in the state budget. Instead, it represents a strategic institutional reorganisation. The primary goal is to optimise existing resources and strengthen the state’s capabilities within the sports sector. This approach ensures greater efficiency and effectiveness without an additional fiscal burden.
This reorganisation concentrates expertise and authority within a single, specialised body. Previously, anti-doping responsibilities were dispersed across various governmental departments.
Protecting athletes and enhancing Paraguay’s reputation
Patiño emphasised that a National Anti-Doping Agency is vital for guaranteeing a level playing field for all athletes. Its work will directly protect their health by discouraging the use of harmful performance-enhancing substances. In addition, it will strengthen control mechanisms through systematic testing and investigation. Sanctions for violations will be transparent and administered in accordance with established international standards.
The institutionalisation of Paraguay’s anti-doping system is also a key factor in the country’s international projection. Patiño maintained that it is crucial for positioning Paraguay as a credible host for major regional and international sporting competitions. A robust and compliant anti-doping framework is often a prerequisite for bidding on and hosting such events.
