The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) has successfully conducted the country’s first-ever anti-doping tests, establishing a permanent system to monitor and protect athletes.
“This system is an historic achievement for The Gambia,” GNOC President Bai Dodou Jallow said, praising the initiative.
The tests were carried out under the guidance of Dr. Omar Jagne, Chairperson of the GNOC Anti-Doping Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Africmed International Hospital. Dr. Jagne and his team ensured that all procedures adhered to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules and guidelines.
President Jallow highlighted Dr. Jagne’s ambition to advance the GNOC’s role in promoting sports. “His mandate includes disseminating information, conducting training, educating the sports community on anti-doping, and testing both national and international athletes,” he said.
The GNOC chief described the exercise as a “success and a great boost” for sports in The Gambia. “The system aims to guide and protect athletes, enhance their skills, and maintain integrity in the sporting fraternity. It will help promote a level playing field across all competitions,” Jallow added.
Dr. Jagne also expressed enthusiasm over the successful testing. He described the process as a major milestone for The Gambia, emphasizing the importance of protecting athletes from harmful substances that could endanger their health or careers.
“We have what we call doping rule violations,” Dr. Jagne explained. “There are 11 to 12 types of violations institutionalized by WADA. Many people think doping is only about performance-enhancing drugs, but it is broader than that.”
He commended the GNOC leadership for their support in establishing the Anti-Doping Committee and urged athletes to follow the counselling provided by the office.
President Jallow concluded by expressing confidence that The Gambia, under Dr. Jagne’s leadership, will achieve further unprecedented success in the sporting arena.
