At the forefront of fostering drug-free sports in India stands the first-of-its-kind centre for providing testing and certification for nutritional supplements. Aligned with the vision of our Hon'ble Prime Minister for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, this centre represents a significant leap towards self-reliance and global leadership in the field of nutritional supplement testing.
A tripartite MoU has been signed between the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for setting up the testing facility for nutritional supplements for sportspersons on 15th October, 2022. This is one of the first definite steps in the direction of the nation's initiative to achieve the goal of ‘Atmanirbharta’. This MoU will benefit athletes and athlete-support personnel by educating and spreading awareness about inadvertent doping due to prohibited substances present in nutritional supplements. In the years to come, India is poised to become a global leader for the availability of such a testing facility.
The Center of Excellence for Nutritional Supplement Testing for Sportspersons (CoE-NSTS) at the National Forensic Sciences University stands proudly as an Indian pioneer, being the nation's first-ever center exclusively dedicated to the testing and certification of nutritional supplements for athletes. Within its walls, this center embodies innovation and state-of-the-art facilities, underscoring its commitment to delivering the highest standards of functionality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
The CoE-NSTS is more than just a facility; it's a testament to our unwavering dedication to the well-being and integrity of athletes. Our cutting-edge facilities house a meticulous testing process, providing athletes with the assurance of the authenticity of their chosen nutritional supplements. In an era where the purity of supplements is paramount, the CoE-NSTS serves as a beacon of trust for sportspersons seeking to optimize their performance without compromising their health or ethical principles.
The CoE-NSTS is more than a guardian of sports integrity; it is a partner to athletes, offering them the confidence to pursue their athletic endeavors with the assurance that their nutritional choices align with the highest standards. As we navigate the complex landscape of sports supplements, our goal is to support athletes in their pursuit of excellence while upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and scientific rigor. Together, we forge a path towards a future where athletes can compete with confidence, knowing that their journey is built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and cutting-edge research.
Dr. J M Vyas, Padma shri awardee
The vision for the Center of Excellence in Nutrition for Sports Training (CoE-NSTS) at NFSU is deeply rooted in the core values of integrity, excellence, and empowerment. Our objective is to establish a centre that not only meets rigorous international standards but also acts as a dynamic catalyst for the advancement of a culture promoting clean and ethical sports practices. Aligned with the national vision of 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance), CoE-NSTS is committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of sports nutrition. Our dedication extends beyond academic and research excellence; we aspire to contribute significantly to the broader realm of sports nutrition, ensuring a positive impact on athletes' well-being. By fostering an environment that embraces these principles, CoE-NSTS seeks not only to excel in scholarly pursuits but also to actively contribute to building a healthier, more empowered society through sports.The commitment to integrity, pursuit of excellence, and dedication to empowerment from the foundation upon which CoE-NSTS stands, driving its mission to elevate the standards of sports nutrition and contribute meaningfully to the national vision.
Prof. (Dr.) S.O. Junare
The Centre of Excellence in Nutritional Supplements Testing for Sportsperson (CoE-NSTS) embodies the convergence of science, technology, and sports, with a primary focus on enhancing sports integrity. The center is committed to paving towards “Consume Fair & Play Fair Society.”
Dr. Astha Pandey
Fostering a culture of excellence and fairness in sports by equipping athletes with reliable information on the nutritional supplements they use in their routines
Pioneering a visionary sports supplement testing laboratory dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy, thereby safeguarding sportsperson.
The certification program that supplements can undergo after passing rigorous testing would assure their safety from WADA banned substances and help them select the appropriate supplement.
NFSU Certification Program - “NFSU-NSTS certified”
CoE-NSTS has introduced a certification initiative known as the NFSU Certification Program. Under this program, all registered products undergo rigorous testing using cutting-edge technologies to detect over 250 WADA-banned compounds in every batch. Accredited with ISO 17025:2017 and recognized by FSSAI for nutritional supplement testing, this government facility in India is pioneering diverse supplement testing to mitigate the risk of potential contamination. Random re-testing of certified products from the market is conducted to uphold the certification's integrity. Consumers can confidently depend on these products to fulfill their intended purposes.
A cutting-edge facility is equipped with the latest technology for comprehensive testing. This includes advanced laboratories, testing equipment, and expert scientific staff proficient in analyzing various nutritional supplements.
Embrace innovation by constantly updating testing methodologies and equipment to adapt to emerging nutritional supplements and evolving scientific knowledge.
Work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that testing protocols align with regulations. This would enhance credibility and trust among Athletes and Manufacturers.
We spread awareness about inadvertent doping through supplements and educate athletes about the importance of choosing tested and certified supplements. These initiatives could include workshops, seminars, and online resources.