New Delhi, 07 April (H.S.):

Craig Reedie, former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), has died at the age of 84. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed his passing on Monday, though the cause of death was not disclosed .

Reedie was a towering figure in sports administration, playing pivotal roles in the Olympic movement and global fight against doping. He served as WADA president from 2013, gaining prominence for his handling of Russia's state-sponsored doping scandal ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He spearheaded London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and helped secure badminton's inclusion in the 1992 Barcelona Games. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe described Reedie as his mentor, advisor, and close friend, praising his deep Olympic knowledge.

Reedie's WADA tenure faced challenges during the Russian doping crisis, where he recommended banning the entire team—a stance opposed by IOC president Thomas Bach, leaving decisions to individual sports federations. Current IOC president Kirsty Coventry hailed him as a true guardian of sports integrity.

The Scotland native was knighted in 2006, joined the IOC in 1994, and became an honorary member in 2021. IOC headquarters in Lausanne will fly flags at half-mast for three days in his honor.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar