When an athlete climbs the podium, the applause echoes around the stadium. But often, the person who made that moment possible remains in the shadows. For India, that silent architect is Dr. C. Ajithkumar — International Athletic Coach, Director of Sports, and Associate Professor — a man with a singular, burning vision:
“To see India win Olympic medals in athletics.”
Humble Beginnings, Unshakable Passion
Born in Amarapuram, Kottayam, Kerala, to late P. K. Chellappan Sir and Janamma Teacher, Ajithkumar’s path to athletics started with the lessons of discipline and perseverance. His early mentor, Merikutty Teacher, planted the seeds of passion, while P. V. Velsi Sir sharpened his competitive instincts during his student years.
The small village of Amara and the National Arts and Sports Club were his first arenas. In 1991, his relentless dedication earned him the Best Athlete Award from the Government of Kerala — a milestone that transformed his personal dream into a national mission.
Mentorship That Shaped a Visionary
Every coach is the product of guidance, and for Ajithkumar, two figures were pivotal:
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Dr. Mohan Alva, Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, who gave him a platform to mold young athletes.
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Sri P. T. Ouseph Sir, mentor to sprint legend P. T. Usha, who deepened his technical expertise.
These mentors did not just train him — they inspired him to think bigger, to build a system where science and discipline could create champions.
Leading From the Front
Ajithkumar’s career today spans multiple domains — education, coaching, and sports leadership. His positions include:
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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 has introduced biomechanical techniques, scientific drills, and psychological training into Indian athletics, bridging the gap between raw talent and international performance.
Milestones That Made History
His journey is marked with achievements that elevated India on the global stage:
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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 secured bronze with a 6.42m leap in Chengdu, China.
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Honored with the Best Coach Award (2017) by Kerala State Athletics Association.
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Recognized again with the Best Coach Award (2023) by Alva’s Education Foundation.
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Credited for pioneering the integration of biomechanics and sports psychology into athlete training in India.
Champions He Has Created
His legacy shines brightest through the athletes he has mentored:
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Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi – World University Games bronze medalist.
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Nayana James – Asian gold medalist, Asia’s top-ranked long jumper (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 record holder, 100m (PB: 10.50s).
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Stalin Jose – Decathlete, 9th at the World University Games.
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Ali Ansari – Asian Youth silver medalist, now mentoring athletes.
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Rajesh Postel – Asian Junior silver medalist.
Each of them carries forward his philosophy: talent, shaped by science, produces champions.
Philosophy That Builds Winners
Dr. Ajithkumar believes that medals are not won on race day — they are built over years of discipline. His principles are clear:
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Identify and nurture grassroots talent.
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Apply biomechanics, speed, and strength training.
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Build mental toughness to face international pressure.
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Focus on long-term performance peaks rather than quick results.
For him, every athlete is a long-term project — one that requires patience, vision, and relentless pursuit.
Family – His Silent Strength
Behind his public achievements is the quiet strength of his family. His wife, Reena K. K., works as a Section Officer in the Kerala Government Secretariat, while his daughters, Aleena Ajith and Ananya Ajith, inspire him to keep pushing boundaries.
Living in Thiruvananthapuram, he balances the demands of a global coaching career with the grounding values of family life.
Toward the Olympic Podium
From a village boy in Kerala to an international coach shaping world-class athletes, Dr. C. Ajithkumar’s story is one of grit, vision, and belief.
His dream remains unwavering:
“India has the potential. With the right training, we will stand tall on the Olympic stage.”
✨ For India, Dr. Ajithkumar is more than a coach — he is the strategist of a sporting revolution, the man preparing the nation’s athletes for Olympic greatness.
