The International Testing Agency (ITA) and FITEQ have a long-lasting relationship in order to keep our sport clean, and in Ho Chi Minh City, these two organizations took another step to achieve their common goals.

One of FITEQ’s top priorities is raising awareness and educating their athletes about doping, anti-doping and what qualifies as a banned substance. Before the World Teqball Championships 2024, Anita Hartung, Education Ambassador of ITA and a former professional basketball player held a presentation to help participants to obtain the proper knowledge.

Ms Hartung brought examples of former athletes who used banned substances, different hypothetical scenarios about choices and consequences, and presented tutorials on how anybody can check if the substance they would like to take is prohibited or not, whether it is during, before, or after the competition. She discussed the key definitions and terms of the topic, mentioning the importance of checking every ingredient of medicines or supplements players tend to take.

She pointed out that all members of the Teqball community are subject to the global anti-doping rules as outlined in the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standards.

Also highlighted is that there are 11 different Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), and all of them apply to athletes, 7 of them apply to their support personnel and other members of the community. She made it clear that these rules are in place to protect the athletes’ health and their right to clean, fair competition. However, the athletes are responsible for their bodies and their decisions.

Dozens of athletes and coaches attended the conference, and Ms Hartung made it interactive, trying to get the players and staff members involved with a little ‘Facts or Myth’ game.

FITEQ and ITA, along with one educational officer from the National Anti-Doping Organization of Vietnam will have a booth together right at the entrance of the venue and they welcome every athlete and staff member to answer their questions regarding doping during WTHC24.