Doping
In short
Doping is the use of illegal substances or prohibited methods to improve athletic performance. It is strictly banned in professional sports to ensure fair competition.
In plain words
Athletes sometimes take special drugs or use medical tricks to get stronger or faster. This gives them an unfair advantage over others. Most sports organisations have strict rules to stop this.
A simple example
A cyclist might use a banned hormone to increase their red blood cell count. This helps their body carry more oxygen during a long race.
Why it matters
It protects the integrity of sport so that winners are chosen by talent rather than chemistry. It also prevents athletes from risking their long-term health with dangerous drugs.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse doping with therapeutic use, which is when an athlete uses a legal medicine for a genuine medical condition.