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JOHANNESBURG: The dossier by Indian cricket coach Gary Kirsten and conditioning coach Paddy Upton urging Indian cricketers to have more sex for

better on-field performance elicited more giggles and blushes from the rest of the Champions Trophy contenders on Wednesday than any serious talk on testosterone-enhancing methods.

The 'vision' document, which says "having sex increases testosterone, which causes an increase in strength, aggression and competitiveness" once again raises the age-old debate on whether sex helps sporting performance.

Though M S Dhoni and Co spent the day scurrying from the media, other players were free with their reactions. Australian and England cricketers were heard saying they'd be delighted to have Kirsten as coach, betraying 'envy' for the 'pampered Indian players'. England spinner Graeme Swann said, "I want Gary Kirsten to coach England and I compliment him on his dossier."

Many sportspersons, however, have long followed the theory that sex before competition saps energy. Muhammad Ali, for one, reportedly wouldn't make love for six weeks before a fight. Wonder what he would have made of Team India's document. Even Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Pereira had said Ronaldinho's 'late-night activity' on pre-match days had affected his and the team's chances at the 2006 World Cup.

The abstinence tradition is particularly strong in power sports such as boxing and football, but several studies over the years have tried to establish that sex is good before competitive sporting activity.

Ajit Wadekar, former India captain, coach said, "Kirsten's got the right to do what he is doing. People might recall that soon after out 1992 tour to South Africa, when I was the coach I introduced a code of conduct disallowing players to do as they willed. That was because I saw them getting out of hand. Even today, a bit of check is essential."

Chandu Borde, former India batsman, coach said, "This is a completely new thing to me. I have never come across a theory like this. However, the times have changed now."

Bishan Singh Bedi, ex-captain said, "Both Kirsten and Upton should be given honorary posts in the BCCI for their advices. Like everyone, the players also need to have a normal life when they are touring with the team and sex is very much a part. But all should be within the reasonable limits. It's a natural instinct and the players are entitled to get their space."

Dr Ashok Ahuja, HoD, Sports Medicine, National Institute of Sports, Patiala, said, "There is no doubt that sex increases your performance, provided it does not disturbs players' sleep and has no negative influence on them."