Gujarat launches first state-level sports genomics programme

Gandhinagar: In a first of its kind initiative, Gujarat has launched a state-level 'sports genomics programme' aimed at understanding the genetic, physiological and performance characteristics of its athletes, that could add a new scientific dimension to athlete development.

The initiative also assumes significance in the context of Gujarat's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Scientific athlete profiling could potentially support efforts to identify and prepare athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.

Sport genomics is an emerging field that studies the relationship between genetic variations and athletic characteristics such as muscle composition, endurance, metabolism, exercise response, recovery and injury susceptibility.