Open Letter

To
Hon'ble Shri Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports
Government of India

Subject: Request for a National Initiative to Support Elite Athletes Who Lost Opportunities Despite Outstanding Achievements

Respected Sir,

Greetings.

India is witnessing remarkable progress in sports, with our athletes achieving historic success on international platforms. These accomplishments reflect the nation's growing investment in sports infrastructure, scientific training, and athlete development.

However, alongside these inspiring success stories lies another reality. There are exceptional athletes who, despite producing performances of the highest national standard, have gradually disappeared from the competitive system due to a lack of timely support, recognition, financial security, or institutional opportunities.

An Athlete Worth Remembering

One such athlete is Shruthi Lakshmi, who achieved the rare distinction of winning six Senior National medals in a single competitive season in 2023. Such consistency at the highest domestic level is exceptional in Indian athletics. Yet, despite these remarkable performances, she did not receive the sustained support required to continue her journey toward international success.

Recently, Indian Navy athlete Ancy surpassed the long-standing Kerala State Record previously held by Shruthi Lakshmi, representing SSB Delhi, by just one centimetre. Soon afterward, Ancy went on to produce a National Record-level performance. This itself reflects the exceptional standard that Shruthi Lakshmi had achieved years earlier.

My Experience as a Coach

As an athletics coach, I have had the privilege of guiding several athletes who later represented India with distinction, including:

• Bhavani Yadav - India's first-ever medalist in Long Jump at the World University Games.
• Nayana James - Asian medalist and Asian Number One in 2017 and 2018.
• Rinthu Mathew - World Railway Champion.
• Uma Maheshwari - World Police Champion.
• Shruthi Lakshmi - Multiple Senior National medalist.

These athletes reached international standards while training under my guidance.

Based on more than three decades of experience in athletics coaching, I firmly believe that if these athletes had received equal access to world-class training facilities, sports science support, financial security, rehabilitation services, and continuous competitive opportunities at the right stages of their careers, India could have achieved even greater success on the international stage.

When an elite athlete is lost, it is not merely an individual's loss. It is a loss to the nation, to Indian sport, and to our future Olympic aspirations.

My Humble Suggestions

I respectfully request the Ministry to consider the following national initiatives:

1. National Elite Athlete Recovery Programme

Identify athletes who have demonstrated exceptional national or international performances but whose careers have stalled because of financial, institutional, medical, or personal challenges.

2. "Second Chance for Elite Athletes" Mission

Launch a structured programme that provides:

• Scientific coaching
• Strength and conditioning support
• Sports science services
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Nutrition support
• Sports psychology services
• Financial assistance
• Employment and career guidance
• Opportunities to return to elite competition

3. Olympic 2036 Athlete Re-Entry Pathway

Create a structured mechanism allowing deserving former elite athletes to re-enter national camps and high-performance programmes with a long-term vision toward the 2036 Olympic Games.

Investing in Talent Is Investing in India's Future

India has no shortage of sporting talent.

What many athletes require is timely support, equal opportunity, and a system that believes in their potential even after setbacks.

Every athlete who reaches national excellence has already demonstrated extraordinary commitment and ability. With the right support at the right time, many can still contribute significantly to India's international sporting success.

"Winning medals is a great achievement. Preserving exceptional talent is an even greater investment in India's sporting future."

Conclusion

I sincerely hope this appeal receives your kind attention and consideration so that many deserving athletes across the country may benefit from such a visionary initiative.

Together, we can ensure that no athlete with the potential to bring glory to India is left behind because of circumstances beyond their control.

With highest regards,

Dr C. Ajith Kumar
International Athletics Coach
High Performance and Sports Science Consultant
Kerala, India