Every great athlete carries a story of grit and triumph, but behind those stories stand visionaries who guide them to glory. For India, one such guiding light is Dr. C. Ajithkumar — International Athletic Coach, Director of Sports, and Associate Professor — a man whose life’s mission is clear and powerful:
“To create Olympic medalists for India.”
Roots of a Champion
Born in Amarapuram, Kottayam, Kerala, to late P. K. Chellappan Sir and Janamma Teacher, Ajithkumar’s love for athletics was nurtured early. His first mentor, Merikutty Teacher, instilled discipline and passion, while P. V. Velsi Sir shaped his competitive edge during his university years.
His village Amara and the National Arts and Sports Club became his first pillars of encouragement, celebrating his victories and fueling his ambition. In 1991, he received the Best Athlete Award from the Government of Kerala, a recognition that sparked the dream of shaping future champions.
Guided by Mentors
Ajithkumar’s journey was shaped by leaders who believed in him:
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Dr. Mohan Alva, Hon. Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, offered him a platform to nurture athletes.
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Sri P. T. Ouseph Sir, mentor to sprint queen P. T. Usha, enriched his technical knowledge and coaching vision.
Together, these influences transformed him from a promising athlete into a coach determined to build India’s future in athletics.
A Leader in Multiple Arenas
Today, Ajithkumar stands as a rare blend of coach, educator, and leader. His roles 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 integrates biomechanics, scientific methods, and psychology into athlete training — a holistic approach rarely seen in India.
Breaking Barriers, Creating History
Dr. Ajithkumar’s achievements represent milestones for Indian athletics:
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In 2023, he scripted history by producing the first Indian World University Games medalist in long jump when Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi clinched bronze with a 6.42m leap in Chengdu, China.
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Honored with the Best Coach Award by Kerala State Athletics Association (2017).
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Celebrated again with the Best Coach Award by Alva’s Education Foundation (2023).
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Widely credited for introducing biomechanics and sports psychology into Indian coaching systems.
Athletes Who Carry His Vision
The true legacy of a coach is seen in the athletes who rise under his mentorship. Among them:
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Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi – World University Games bronze medalist.
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Nayana James – Asian gold medalist, ranked No. 1 in Asia (PB: 6.55m).
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Sneha – Asian silver medalist, 100m sprint (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, top 10 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 one is proof that with the right guidance, Indian athletes can compete with the best in the world.
A Philosophy That Shapes Champions
Dr. Ajithkumar’s approach to coaching is as scientific as it is human. His philosophy rests on:
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Spotting grassroots talent and nurturing it from the ground up.
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Leveraging biomechanics, strength, and speed training.
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Building mental resilience to withstand global competition.
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Focusing on long-term development, not short-term wins.
For him, medals are the outcome of a deeper process: discipline, science, and patience.
The Man Beyond the Track
Behind the global achievements lies a devoted family man. His wife, Reena K. K., serves as a Section Officer in the Kerala Government Secretariat. Their daughters, Aleena Ajith and Ananya Ajith, are his biggest inspirations and motivators.
From his home in Thiruvananthapuram, he balances professional rigor with family values, proving that true success is built on both personal and professional foundations.
The Road Ahead – Olympic Glory
From his humble beginnings in Kerala to shaping India’s brightest track and field stars, Dr. C. Ajithkumar’s journey is a testament to vision and perseverance.
His unwavering message continues to inspire:
“India has the talent. With the right guidance, we will conquer the world of athletics.”
✨ Dr. Ajithkumar is not just coaching athletes — he is building India’s Olympic future, one champion at a time.
