The fight against doping in Montenegrin sports is rarely discussed, although WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) punished Đuro Radović with an 18-month suspension for avoiding tests, and his teammate from the water polo national team, Aleksa Ukropina, with a two-year suspension for a positive test.
Earlier, the then basketball player of Mornar, Vukota Pavić, was also punished, and the problem has remained systemic, as Montenegrin athletes are not well acquainted with the rules. Radović was penalized because he failed to complete the required documentation, while Ukropina was punished for treating a cold with a banned inhalation medication.
The key role in educating athletes, clubs, and national federations should be held by the Antidoping Commission, which has been led by Neda Ojdanić since February 14th of this year.
"During the more than eight months I have been leading the Antidoping Commission of Montenegro, numerous important results have been achieved: stronger educational activities, improved control procedures, and intensified dialogue with the sports sector, educational institutions, and international partners. The antidoping system, in my belief, does not function solely through testing and disciplinary measures. It is based on building a sports culture that rejects shortcuts and nurtures health, ethics, and responsibility. Our system must be based on education, transparency, and support for athletes," said the director of the Commission.
Ojdanić points out that the first strategic step she took was strengthening education.
"During the past months, we have implemented educational programs for nearly 300 athletes, coaches, and members of professional teams, and I have placed a special focus on young people who are just entering professional sports. I am especially pleased that we have established a partnership with the 'Slobodan Škerović' High School, where we held lectures on the harmful effects of doping. The plan is clear, to expand the program to all high schools and include young people who are not involved in professional sports but train out of passion. We must act before the temptation to resort to banned substances arises, because an educated athlete is an athlete who makes the right choices."
The Commission has conducted approximately 100 tests in the previous period, among which is a notable number of blood tests, combining controls during and outside of competitions.
"Our system is based on risk assessment and strictly follows international protocols. We work independently and professionally, and every procedure is fully aligned with athlete data protection standards. In order to improve control procedures, an education session for existing doping controllers was held at the beginning of September, along with an introduction to the system for new ones. Our main goal is the preservation of sports integrity and athlete safety," emphasized Ojdanić.
Cooperation with WADA is challenging, but the support is unwavering.
"The cooperation is progressing exceptionally well. We have open and constructive communication, regularly exchanging experiences and opinions, and we are working together to align procedures and strengthen the system that meets all the demands of modern sports. The priorities for the upcoming period are clear: expanding education to schools and sports organizations across the country, digitalizing educational content, and introducing an online platform available to all athletes, as well as strengthening professional capacities. However, all of this will only be possible with a secure, long-term funding structure and the Commission's complete independence."
Ojdanić emphasized that sports must remain an example of honesty, honor, and a healthy society.
"Our task is to preserve these values and show young people that the right path is the one that leads through work, discipline, and knowledge. The Antidoping Commission will be firmly dedicated to this mission, autonomously, professionally, and transparently."
Source: RTCG