How Gujarat’s DNA initiative could change the way India identifies sp…

India celebrated its National Sports Day yesterday on Saturday, August 29 and there is already some good news on the occasion. The nation, which is set to host the next Commonwealth Games edition in 2030, is taking a new approach towards identifying sporting talent. amunra-opinie.pl

The proposed host state of Gujarat is eager to do something unique in order to make it happen. The state is turning to DNA sequencing to find athletes who could have the potential to excel in all different kinds of sports. The initiative is being seen as a step towards using genetics along with traditional methods of talent identification.

The idea is to understand an athlete’s genetic profile and use that information to identify areas where the person could have a natural advantage. Instead of relying only on physical tests, performances and coaching assessments, genetic information could provide another layer while identifying and developing young athletes.

The programme is aimed at finding sporting talent at an early age. Once potential athletes are identified, the information could be used to guide them towards sports that may suit their physical characteristics and abilities. The broader goal is to create a stronger system for developing athletes and improve India’s chances of producing champions across different disciplines.

Genetics can play a role in several physical traits that matter in sport. Factors linked to muscle composition, endurance, recovery and how the body responds to training can vary from person to person.

However, DNA alone cannot make someone a champion. Training, nutrition, coaching, discipline and access to facilities remain important parts of an athlete’s development.

That is where the Gujarat initiative could be significant. Rather than using genetic information as the only method of selection, it can potentially be combined with existing talent identification programmes. Young athletes could then receive more specialised training based on their individual requirements.

The move also comes at a time when India is trying to build a stronger sporting system. The country has improved its performances at major international events in recent years, with athletes from shooting, athletics, boxing, wrestling, badminton, weightlifting and other sports winning medals at the highest level.

India has a large population but many promising athletes are identified late or do not get access to the right training and facilities. A more scientific approach to talent identification could help widen the search and bring more young athletes into organised sport.

One of the biggest problems for young athletes in India, however, remains access to proper sporting facilities. Across several cities, playgrounds and open spaces are being taken over for construction and other purposes.

With fewer grounds available, children are losing places where they can play, train and develop an interest in sport. Finding talent through DNA sequencing can help identify potential but that talent will need proper grounds, coaches and training facilities to turn into performance.

Moin Khan urges authorities to honour Imran Khan's right to medical care. He also asked fellow cricketers to voice their support for the former leader. International captains have also called for adequate healthcare and constitutional safeguards. Greg Chappell described Imran Khan's condition as worrying and difficult to ascertain. The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a complaint after an interview with Imran Khan's sons aired.

Debasis Sen, Kolkata

Amid growing support for former Pakistan World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan, several prominent Pakistani cricketers who played alongside or under him, have opted to remain silent in order to avoid being drawn into a political controversy.

Revsportz tried reaching out to a couple of former Pakistan captains, now settled in the UK, for their comments on the growing support for Imran. A former cricketer, who led the Pakistan senior team in the past, on conditions of anonymity said, “I would not like myself to be dragged into this controversy by saying anything on Imran.”

He added, “Anything that I say about Imran will not be taken well back home so it is better to stay away from making any comment,” said the veteran cricketer who is based in London.

Another former Pakistani great based in Birmingham also remained tight-lipped on the matter. Imran played a large part of his formative cricket under his captaincy. But considering the current situation, the veteran cricketer did not wish to make any comment. An all-rounder who played alongside Imran has also chosen to stay off the record in his support, fearing he could face repercussions from the current Pakistan government and the cricket board.

Recently, several former cricketers around the world have appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that Imran receives adequate medical treatment while being in prison. The latest appeal follows a similar letter signed by 14 former captains in February, which went unanswered by the Pakistani authorities.

While prominent international players view their letters to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strictly as a “humanitarian plea” for a former colleague, any statement made by an insider within Pakistan is instantly viewed through a highly polarised political lens.

Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023 following his conviction in corruption cases. Concerns over his health have intensified in recent weeks, prompting his sons to push for better medical treatment. Last week, Pakistan’s Supreme Court directed that he be admitted to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad.

However, he was instead taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for a medical check-up before being sent back to prison.

The Pakistan government has rejected the allegations that Imran has been mistreated in prison or denied contact with his family and lawyers. In a statement last week, it was said that he had received more than 900 visits from his family members, lawyers and doctors since his imprisonment in August 2023.

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