Answer: The above case study represents the classic case of means (unethical) vs ends (winning) ethical dilemma. Use of performance enhancing drugs makes a mockery of a competition as well as the international reputation of India is at stake.   (a) In such a scenario, it would be my moral obligation to follow the spirit of the game and stick to the ethical value system imbibed in me. Options available in such a scenario are:
Option-1: Warn the athletes/coach against using such drugs in the future. Merits:

• Give a choice to the fellow athletes to refrain from taking drugs in future.
• Resolution of the issue at the team-level.

Demerits:

• Warning may not be taken seriously.
• Coach may punish me on disciplinary grounds to silence silen me.
• Doping may get detected if they participate in the competition.
• Unfair competition.

Option-2: Complaint directly to the higher authorities accompanying the contingent Merits:

• Fair competition as it would prevent those candidates from entering into the competition.
• Establish your credential as a fair player.

Demerits:

• No chance for the athletes/coach to explain their actions.
• It would come into the media, which will impact the image of the nation and sports fraternity as a whole.
• Higher officials may also be involved along with the coach.

Option-3: Complaint after the competition is over Merits:

• Performance of the team will not be affected in the competition.
• Provides ample time for assessment of my options.

Demerits:

• Athletes/coaches may deny the wrongdoings.
• Non-resolution of my fear and conscience crisis during the competition.
• Doping may get detected, which will tarnish India’s image globally.

My final course of action would be guided by my belief in Gandhian ethics i.e., “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.

• Firstly, I’d try to clear a few doubts by obtaining first-hand information i.e., whether the drug being used is banned or not as well as affirming the role of the coach and other members in it.
• Then, I would try to persuade the fellow athletes to stop the drug’s use, as it is illegal and goes against sports ethics. I would try to convince them that it can be detrimental to both their career as well as the country’s image.
• In case they disagree, I would reach out to the coach and warn him of possible complaints against the ongoing malpractices.
• If the coach ignores my warning, I would be left with no choice but to write a written complaint mentioning the use of illegal drugs to Team Managers & Sports Authority of India officials accompanying the contingent, National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and also to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

(b) Reasons for common use of unfair means in sports:

• Individual factors: Desire for winning, improvement, pain management, recovery, career longevity and economic gains. Also, cut throat competition sometimes motivates a player to resort to such unethical activities.
• Legal factors: Weak implementation of anti-doping laws/rules by domestic sports bodies and lack of awareness about the rules.
• Systemic factors: Historical prevalence of doping in sports, weak anti-doping infrastructure, inadequate sport governance systems, organized systematic doping in some countries, biased role of coach etc.

Steps to minimize this practice:

• Preventive steps:
  • Spread awareness regarding side effects and related punishments for doping violations, especially at the grassroots level.
  • Simplify rules, laws and list of prohibited substances.
  • Improve drug testing technology and increased reliance on investigation.
• Punitive steps:
  • Strict enforcement of anti-doping laws at domestic levels. E.g. strict testing policy with random but frequent tests of athletes.
  • Ban countries accused of covering up anti-doping violations. Also, banishment of coaches involved in it.
• Promotive steps:
  • Advocating best practices and encouraging countries to adopt them.
  • Factor in ethical conduct and doping rankings in funding mechanisms.
• Other steps:
  • Therapeutic Use Exemption (TEU) certificate to protect those athletes who have a genuine medical condition with no alternative drugs/treatment.
  • Universalize the application of athletes’ ‘biological passporť.

To enjoy the fruits of success, it is not enough to win. Triumph must be measured by absolute fair means, honesty and just play. Without fairness and trustworthiness, the established order of our society is at risk.