GENETIC PROFILING FOR DIFFERENT SPORTS PARTICIPANTS OF UNDER-14 YEARS BOYS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Genetic determinants of athletic performance have emerged as a crucial field of investigation, particularly in identifying sport-specific aptitudes at younger ages. Pakistan, with its rich sporting culture yet underserved talent identification infrastructure, presents a unique population for genomic sports research.

Objectives: This study investigated associations between key performance-related genetic polymorphisms and sport-specific participation preferences among boys aged 8–13 years across six major sports in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional genetic epidemiology study was conducted on 525 male participants (n=75 per group: football, cricket, field hockey, swimming, athletics, martial arts, and non-athlete controls) recruited from five provinces of Pakistan. Five genetic polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization: ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739), ACE I/D (rs4646994), PPARA G/C (rs4253778), HIF1A P582S (rs11549465), and IL-6 -174G>C (rs1800795).

Results: Athletes in power-dominant sports (football, athletics, martial arts) exhibited significantly higher frequencies of the ACTN3 R allele (p<0.01), while endurance-oriented swimmers demonstrated elevated ACE I allele prevalence (p<0.01). A composite genetic aptitude score (CGAS) discriminated sport groups effectively (AUC=0.79, 95% CI: 0.73–0.85). Significant correlations between CGAS and standardized performance scores were observed (r=0.73, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Genetic profiling is a feasible and informative tool for early talent identification in Pakistani youth. Sport-specific genomic signatures were identified, supporting the integration of genetic screening into national talent development programs while emphasizing ethical frameworks and psychological sensitivity.