The fourth World Conference on Doping was officially opened on Tuesday night in Johannesburg with an aim to curb doping in sports.

The meeting, which is bringing together about 900 delegates from countries and regions from all corners of the world, will discuss ways to tackle doping. It will also ratify the revised 2015 Doping Code and related International Standards.

The code is the document that harmonizes anti-doping efforts in sports.

In his opening speech, the president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), John Fahey, said, "It is WADA's duty now at the Fourth World Conference on Doping in Sport, to approve the revised version of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code and offer our community the best possible opportunity to tackle the scourge of doping that exists in sports."

Some of the codes which will be discussed and endorsed include the revised International Standards for Laboratories, the revised International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions and international Standards for Testing and Investigations.

South African Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula said that his country took the responsibility to bid for the hosting of this conference to, among others showcase its achievement in the war against doping in sport whilst at the same time, reaffirm its commitment to the fight against doping in sports.

Mbalula stated that South Africa has signed anti-doping agreements and is willing to implement WADA programs.

The executive mayor of Johannesburg which is hosting the conference, Parks Mpho Tau, said the aim of the conference is to promote one of the most fundamental principles governing sports.

"Fair play is certainly the essence of sport," he said.

Education and economic spin offs associated with this conference will also help to set up a foundation for accelerated programs on non-doping in sports,"Tau said.

The conferences will also elect the next WADA president and the vice president. The meeting will end on Friday.

Attending the conference are sports ministers and representatives from the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, International Federations, and National Olympic Committees. Endi

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