Every champion has a coach. Every dream has a guide. For India’s athletics, that guide is Dr. C. Ajithkumar — an International Athletic Coach, Director of Sports, and Associate Professor, whose vision is transforming the nation’s sporting landscape. His goal is simple yet profound:
“To see India win Olympic medals in athletics.”
For decades, he has been shaping young talents, blending science with discipline, and creating a generation of athletes ready to stand tall on the world stage.
The Roots of a Champion Coach
Born in Amarapuram, Kottayam, Kerala, to late P. K. Chellappan Sir and Janamma Teacher, Ajithkumar’s path in athletics was paved early. Under the care of Merikutty Teacher, he learned the first lessons of discipline. Later, at the university level, P. V. Velsi Sir honed his athletic abilities, preparing him for the competitive world of sport.
His village Amara and the National Arts and Sports Club stood as his pillars of strength. His potential was soon recognized when he received the Best Athlete Award (1991) from the Government of Kerala — a recognition that marked the start of an extraordinary journey.
Guided by Mentors, Driven by Vision
Behind every coach is a source of wisdom. For Dr. Ajithkumar, two mentors left a lasting impact:
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Dr. Mohan Alva, Hon. Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, who gave him a platform to nurture champions.
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Sri P. T. Ouseph Sir, mentor of the legendary P. T. Usha, whose guidance strengthened his technical expertise.
These influences shaped his vision and gave him the courage to innovate.
Leading From the Front
Today, Dr. Ajithkumar holds key roles that allow him to influence both education and athletics:
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Director of Sports, SBSU
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Associate Professor, Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University, Arunachal Pradesh
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Athletic Coach, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri
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Chief Project Director, HRDS INDIA Sports Academy
Through these positions, he builds well-rounded athletes who are prepared for both national and international challenges.
Milestones That Changed Indian Athletics
His coaching career is filled with historic achievements:
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2023 – Became the first Indian coach to produce a World University Games medalist in long jump, when Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi won bronze with a 6.42m leap in Chengdu, China.
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2017 – Won the Best Coach Award from Kerala State Athletics Association.
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2023 – Received the Best Coach Award from Alva’s Education Foundation.
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Introduced scientific, biomechanical, and psychological training methods into Indian athletics.
Athletes Who Carry His Legacy
The best reflection of a coach lies in his athletes. Under Dr. Ajithkumar’s mentorship, India has celebrated:
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Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi – World University Games bronze medalist.
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Nayana James – Asian gold medalist, Asia’s No. 1 long jumper (PB: 6.55m).
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Sneha – Asian silver medalist in 100m (PB: 11.41s).
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Renga K – World Police Games record holder (100m: 11.42s).
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Jijin Vijayan – National record holder in 100m (PB: 10.50s).
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Stalin Jose – Decathlete, 9th place at the World University Games.
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Ali Ansari – Asian Youth silver medalist, now a coach.
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Rajesh Postel – Asian Junior silver medalist.
Each athlete is a living symbol of his vision and dedication.
A Philosophy Beyond Training
For Dr. Ajithkumar, building champions goes beyond physical ability. His coaching philosophy is rooted in:
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Discovering and nurturing grassroots talent.
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Combining strength, speed, and biomechanics for peak performance.
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Developing mental strength to handle international pressure.
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Preparing athletes for sustainable, long-term success.
Family – His True Strength
Away from the track, he is a family man. His wife, Reena K. K., works as a Section Officer in the Kerala Government Secretariat. Their daughters, Aleena Ajith and Ananya Ajith, are his constant source of inspiration.
Living in Thiruvananthapuram, he balances family values with professional excellence.
The Road Ahead – Olympic Glory
From his humble beginnings in Kerala to producing international champions, Dr. C. Ajithkumar’s life is proof that discipline and vision can rewrite history. His dream is unwavering:
“India has the talent. With the right training, we will bring Olympic medals home.”
✨ Dr. C. Ajithkumar is not just coaching athletes — he is crafting India’s Olympic future, one champion at a time.
