Gandhinagar: The hunt for Gujarat’s next sporting champion is moving from the playing field to the laboratory. Scientists have begun collecting DNA samples from sportspersons as part of a state sports genomics programme. The information will be combined with physical and performance data to create detailed athlete profiles. The idea is to use those profiles to improve talent identification, training, recovery and injury management.The initiative is being implemented by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) under the state science and technology department. It will create Gujarat Athlete Genome Database (G-AGD), bringing together athletes’ genetic, physical and sports-performance data.Science and technology minister Arjun Modhwadia described the programme as the first of its kind in India. “The objective is to integrate genomics with sports science, physiology and nutritional science to develop a more scientific and evidence-based approach towards identification and development of sporting talent,” an official statement quoted the minister as saying.GBRC scientists have begun collecting DNA samples from athletes in different disciplines. The first phase covered tennis players associated with Gujarat State Tennis Association. The next phase will include athletes in archery, fencing, judo and shooting associated with Vijayi Bharat Foundation.The state aims to collect and analyse around 2,000 samples this year and 10,000 over the next five years, said Digvijaysinh Jadeja, mission director of the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission.The programme will cover athletes from different age groups: those below 14 years, those aged 14 to below 18 and those above 18. State and national champions will be given priority, according to the govt.The proposed database will include information from a wide range of sports. These include athletics, swimming, boxing, wrestling, judo, taekwondo, gymnastics, fencing, football, hockey, handball, volleyball, basketball, badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis, kabaddi, kho-kho, archery, shooting and chess.Sports genomics can help study whether genetic variations are linked to traits such as muscle composition, endurance, metabolism, response to exercise, recovery and susceptibility to injuries. According to officials, the data can be used to spot promising talent, predict injury risks, and customise training and nutrition.P Bharathi, secretary of the department of science and technology, stated that the initiative marks a departure from traditional talent discovery. “Historically, sports talent is spotted through physical traits, coach feedback, and trials. Gujarat’s model aims to integrate genetic and biological insights, creating a much more comprehensive profile for each athlete,” she explained.The programme assumes greater significance as Gujarat prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. Officials believe scientific profiling could help identify and prepare athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.However, officials said genomic data would need to be handled with strict safeguards. A two-level barcoding system has been proposed to protect athletes’ identities, while controlled access and responsible use would be essential as the database expands.
