Bandung, 16 August 2025
IADO, in collaboration with Gymnastics Indonesia (PERSANI), held an Anti-Doping and Whereabouts Understanding for male gymnastics athletes on August 16th, 2025, at the Gymnastics National Training Center, Mercure Hotel, Bandung. This activity was welcomed by the Gymnastics Indonesia management and all athletes, given the importance of understanding anti-doping regulations to prevent athletes from committing violations that could harm their careers or achievements. This education also served as part of preparations for the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, to be held at the Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, and the SEA Games in Thailand in December 2025, in which Indonesia will host the world event.
The materials explained that anti-doping violations were not limited to the use of prohibited substances, but also included athletes’ obligations to complete Whereabouts. Whereabouts data allows IADO and international federations to collect urine or blood samples randomly and without notice. Therefore, understanding how to fill in Whereabouts is very important so that athletes do not experience one of the 11 Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs).
The event was opened with a pre-test activity, followed by anti-doping education material delivered by Mr. Rifaldi, a staff of the IADO Testing Directorate. The athletes demonstrated their high enthusiasm, paying close attention to the material and actively engaging in discussions. Coaches and athlete support personnel (ASPs) also played a crucial role in ensuring the participants’ understanding, as they are the frontline support staff at the National Training Center. They were expected to help ensure that athletes maintain a healthy, doping-free lifestyle and are disciplined in completing their Whereabouts forms in a timely and accurate manner. This education program was expected to enhance the athletes’ knowledge, enabling them to comply with WADA Code regulations and achieve outstanding results in future international events. The event concluded with a post-test and an interactive and solution-oriented question and answer session.