Media Recognition
India’s Unsung Athletics Architect: Dr. C. Ajithkumar’s Historic Contributions Deserve National Recognition
In the history of Indian athletics, few coaches have contributed as significantly—and as selflessly—as Dr. C. Ajithkumar, a former national-level sprinter turned elite coach. Despite producing international champions and securing India’s first-ever World University Games athletics medal under an Indian coach, Dr. Ajithkumar remains glaringly absent from national honors lists.
A Champion Athlete Turned Champion Maker
Dr. C. Ajithkumar began his journey as a dedicated sprinter from S.B. College, Changanacherry, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Between 1987–1992, he won medals in both 100m and 200m events, at the Junior National level and All India University meets—establishing himself as a force in Indian sprinting during his youth.
Coaching That Changed India’s Global Track Record
As a coach, Dr. Ajithkumar has achieved feats no other Indian has:
In 2023, he coached Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi to a historic long jump medal at the World University Games (Chengdu, China)—a first in Indian athletics under homegrown coaching.
His athlete was felicitated at Rashtrapati Bhavan, while Dr. Ajithkumar, the architect of the success, received no recognition—not even a participation certificate.
This oversight raises an uncomfortable question: How long will India continue to overlook the minds behind the medals?
An Incomparable Track Record
Over the past two decades, Dr. Ajithkumar has:
Trained 18 international medalists
Mentored national champions in long jump, sprint, and triple jump
Worked with elite institutions including Mangalore University, where he led athletic dominance from 2017 to 2024
Key Appointments:
Coach – World University Games 2023, Chengdu
Coach – Asian Athletics Meet 2017, Bhubaneswar
Coach – World Police Games 2019, China
Sports Director – Shaheed Bhagat Singh University
Visiting Professor – Alva’s College, Moodabidri
Chief Project Director – HRDS India
Former Coach – Mangalore University (2017–2024)
Awards and Honors (Institutional)
Despite the lack of national awards, Dr. Ajithkumar’s excellence has been repeatedly acknowledged by:
Indian University Best Coach Award (2023)
Amaruthavani Karnataka Award (2023)
SSB Best Coach Award (2019)
Kerala State Athletic Association Award (2017)
Sports Science India Best Coach Award (2024)
Yet no national coaching honor, such as the Dronacharya Award, has been extended to him.
A Call for Correction
Dr. C. Ajithkumar exemplifies the ideal coach—scientific, ethical, committed, and result-driven. His athletes’ success stories are not born of privilege but of method, grit, and relentless training.
It is time that India formally recognizes those who build the foundation of sporting success. Dr. C. Ajithkumar’s contributions merit national acknowledgment, and his name belongs among the finest mentors of Indian athletics.
The athletes he shaped have medals. India has the glory. It is time he receives his due.
