Gandhinagar, Aug. 28 -- In a move that could add a new scientific dimension to athlete development, Gujarat has launched a State-level 'sports genomics programme' aimed at understanding the genetic, physiological and performance characteristics of its athletes.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has adopted an evidence-based approach to sports science, athlete identification and high-performance training.

"Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the initiative, being undertaken by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) under the Department of Science and Technology, seeks to combine genomics with sports science, physiology and nutrition to create a more scientific and evidence-based...