Parliament has passed the Anti-Doping Bill which aims to safeguard the integrity of sports in Fiji.
While tabling the Bill, Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru says this Bill will ensure fairness and the well-being of the athletes.
Saukuru says the world of sports is ever-evolving and so are the methods used by those who gain an unfair advantage through doping and they must ensure that athletes compete on a level playing field.
While opposing the Bill, Opposition MP, Parveen Bala says he understands the need for reasons for the Anti-Doping Bill and the Bill in the current form is undeveloped.
Bala says the Bill and the proposed body doesn’t seem to have a clear pathway through the try line and it’s crucial to highlight the lack of attention given to player welfare and sports integrity in Fiji.
He says corruption, match-fixing and doping are symptoms of a broader crisis in sports.
He adds the current Bill focus is only on doping, and it is forgetting other elements.
While supporting the Bill, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo says the Bill is part of Fiji’s global commitment to fair play, good sportsmanship and promotion of health and equality for players.
He adds if it wouldn’t be passed they would lose a lot when we are in an era of increasing competition.
Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica says this is a historic Bill in the sports industry for Fiji and this will protect the young athletes.
Opposition MP, Premila Kumar says this Bill is needed but not in its current form as there are too many flaws which need to be plugged before it’s passed.
