What if an athlete’s DNA could offer clues about how they train, recover or deal with injuries?
Gujarat is now exploring that question through a new Sports Genomics Programme (SGP), bringing genetic research into the state’s efforts to improve sports performance. The initiative is being developed ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, giving researchers several years to study whether this approach can have a practical role in athlete development.
Tennis players provide the first samples
The research has already moved into its first phase, with tennis players linked to the Gujarat State Tennis Association (GSTA) providing the initial samples.
Athletes representing archery, fencing, judo and shooting are set to form the next group included in the study, with the Vijayi Bharat Foundation involved in the process.
Gujarat aims to collect 2,000 samples in 2026. The programme has been given ₹26.05 crore for five years.
The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) will lead the genetic research in coordination with the Sports Authority of Gujarat.
Looking beyond performance scores
The project will not study DNA on its own. Scientists plan to compare genetic information with athletes’ physical and performance records.
The research will look at whether genetic differences may be connected to areas such as strength, endurance, metabolism, response to exercise, recovery and injury risk.
Another part of the work will be to search for genetic markers that could be linked to athletic performance or sports injuries and then test whether those links hold up through further research.
A bigger genomic effort is also underway
The sports project is being carried out alongside Gujarat’s Tribal Genome Project, which has so far completed whole-genome sequencing of 100 people.
That project is aimed at developing a reference genetic database for Gujarat’s tribal population and supporting research into population-specific healthcare.
Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia said Gujarat is undertaking genomic research in both tribal health and sports, describing it as the first such state-led effort in the country covering these two areas.
Four years before the Commonwealth Games
The timing is significant for Gujarat.
With the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad still around four years away, the state has time to build its database and assess whether genetic research can contribute to the way athletes are trained and supported.
But the programme is not being presented as a way to predict who will become a champion.
DNA is only one piece of the puzzle
Sports genomics remains a developing field. An athlete’s genes cannot decide sporting success on their own.
Training, coaching, nutrition, recovery, facilities, environment and individual effort all play major roles.
For now, Gujarat’s focus is on gathering enough data to understand whether genetics can provide useful additional information.
The bigger question will be whether the research eventually moves from laboratories and databases to something athletes can actually use — better training plans, smarter recovery methods and improved ways of reducing injury risks.
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