Behind every medal-winning athlete lies a mentor whose vision, discipline, and guidance turn potential into glory. In India, that guiding force is Dr. C. Ajithkumar — International Athletic Coach, Director of Sports, and Associate Professor — a man devoted to a single mission:
“To create Olympic medalists for our nation.”
Humble Beginnings
Born in Amarapuram, Kottayam, Kerala, to late P. K. Chellappan Sir and Janamma Teacher, Ajithkumar’s journey into athletics began under the careful guidance of Merikutty Teacher, who instilled in him the values of discipline and perseverance. Later, P. V. Velsi Sir honed his skills during his university years, shaping his competitive spirit and turning raw talent into structured performance.
His village, Amara, and the National Arts and Sports Club were his earliest supporters, and in 1991, his achievements were honored with the Best Athlete Award from the Government of Kerala, a stepping stone toward a lifelong mission to nurture champions.
Mentors Who Shaped a Legacy
Two mentors played pivotal roles in his transformation:
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Dr. Mohan Alva, Hon. Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, who gave him the platform to mold athletes.
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Sri P. T. Ouseph Sir, mentor to sprint legend P. T. Usha, who enhanced his technical and coaching expertise.
Their guidance inspired him to envision a coaching career that would elevate Indian athletics on the global stage.
Leadership Across Institutions
Today, Dr. Ajithkumar wears multiple hats that blend leadership, academics, and coaching:
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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 roles, he integrates science, biomechanics, and psychology into training programs, preparing athletes to compete at the highest international levels.
Historic Achievements
Dr. Ajithkumar’s coaching career is marked by landmark milestones:
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In 2023, he became the first Indian coach to produce a World University Games medalist in long jump, when Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi leapt 6.42m in Chengdu, China, winning bronze.
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Honored with the Best Coach Award by Kerala State Athletics Association (2017).
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Recognized again with the Best Coach Award by Alva’s Education Foundation (2023).
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Credited for introducing scientific, biomechanical, and psychological training methods into Indian athletics coaching.
Champions Who Define His Legacy
The athletes trained under his mentorship exemplify his philosophy:
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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 in long jump (PB: 6.55m).
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Sneha – Asian silver medalist, 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 100m record holder (PB: 10.50s).
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Stalin Jose – Decathlete, 9th place at 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 reflects the combination of discipline, talent, and scientific training that defines Dr. Ajithkumar’s coaching approach.
Philosophy That Creates Champions
Dr. Ajithkumar believes that true success comes from a holistic and long-term approach. His coaching principles include:
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Identifying grassroots talent and nurturing it patiently.
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Utilizing biomechanics, strength, and speed training to maximize potential.
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Building mental resilience to face international competition.
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Focusing on long-term athlete development over short-term victories.
For him, talent alone does not create champions — it is the perfect blend of discipline, science, and perseverance.
The Man Behind the Coach
Away from the tracks, Ajithkumar draws strength from family. His wife, Reena K. K., serves as a Section Officer in the Kerala Government Secretariat, and their daughters, Aleena Ajith and Ananya Ajith, inspire him daily to strive for excellence.
Based in Thiruvananthapuram, he balances a demanding professional life with strong family values, proving that greatness is rooted in support and love.
Toward Olympic Glory
From the small village of Amarapuram to coaching athletes who shine internationally, Dr. C. Ajithkumar’s journey is proof that India’s Olympic dream is alive and achievable.
His unwavering message to athletes is clear:
“India has the talent. With the right guidance, we will conquer the world of athletics.”
✨ Dr. Ajithkumar is not just a coach — he is the visionary building India’s future champions, one leap, one sprint, one medal at a time.
