On October 15–16, Istanbul will host the International Symposium and Meeting of the International Discussion Club in the Field of Anti-Doping. The event is organized by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), the Russian Olympic Committee, and the Russian Sports Foundation
The meeting will bring together representatives of national anti-doping organizations (NADOs) and other organizations within the sports sector. The main focus will be the upcoming transition to revised anti-doping rules, which will come into effect on January 1, 2027.
Over the course of the two-day program, experts will examine how the new provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards will be implemented at the national level. Particular attention will be paid to the practical aspects of incorporating the new requirements into NADO operations, as well as to the experience of different countries in adapting international rules to their national legislation and specific sporting systems.
A dedicated part of the discussions will focus on key areas of anti-doping work, including education, testing, investigations, and results management. Participants will have the opportunity to compare existing approaches, share practical solutions, and discuss potential changes to operational procedures in preparation for the new requirements coming into force.
An important part of the symposium will be the exchange of experience between countries and the development of practical recommendations that experts can apply in their future work. The discussions will therefore focus not only on the substance of the upcoming changes but also on the specific tools and approaches for implementing them at the national level.
Representatives of anti-doping organizations from Russia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan are expected to participate in the event.
The program includes seven sessions: a plenary session, three panel discussions, a meeting of the International Discussion Club, and two parallel thematic sessions. The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join the discussions either in person in Istanbul or online.
By bringing experts together ahead of the revised World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards coming into effect, the symposium will provide an opportunity to address practical aspects of the transition to the new rules, exchange experience, and identify future priorities for national anti-doping systems.