The 6th World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) World Conference was held from 2 to 5 December at BEXCO in Busan, Republic of Korea, bringing together more than 2,000 delegates from over 180 countries. This marked the first time the WADA World Conference was hosted in Asia. The Conference served as a central forum for discussing the future direction of international anti-doping policy and reaffirming the global community’s shared responsibility for clean sport.
A key outcome of the Conference was the approval of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and the revised International Standards, which will govern the global anti-doping framework through 2033. These updates aim to enhance harmonisation, consistency, and athlete protection across the international sport system. In addition, the Busan Declaration was formally adopted, emphasising athlete-centred safeguarding, education and prevention, transparent governance, sustainable financial structures, and closer cooperation between sport organisations and public authorities.
Based on its institutional commitment to clean sport and responsible sport governance, the International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF) participated in the Conference as an official delegation (ISTF Delegate). The ISTF delegation comprised Mr. Siddhartha Bikram Panday, Chair of the General Affairs Commission; Mr. Prabhat Pathak, Member of the International Relations Commission; and representatives of the ISTF Anti-Doping Commission, including Mr. Rheem Hyeon Seung, Coordinator of the ISTF Anti-Doping Commission, and Mr. Choi Jeong In, Sub-Coordinator of the ISTF Anti-Doping Commission.
As ISTF Delegates, the participants actively engaged in key Conference sessions, technical discussions, and exchanges with WADA, the International Testing Agency (ITA), International Federations (IFs), and other major stakeholders. Through these interactions, ISTF contributed to international anti-doping policy discussions, shared best practices related to the practical implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code, and identified opportunities to further align soft tennis anti-doping policies and testing strategies with the latest global standards.
ISTF will continue to work closely with WADA, ITA, and its member federations to support the effective and consistent implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code. By prioritising education and prevention, ISTF remains committed to strengthening sport integrity, protecting athletes, and promoting fair and clean competition worldwide.
ISTF extends its sincere appreciation to WADA and its President, Mr. Witold Bańka, for convening the international sport community in Busan and for their continued leadership in advancing the global anti-doping system.
