In Indian athletics, few names carry as much weight as Dr. C. Ajithkumar. An International Athletic Coach, Director of Sports, and Associate Professor, he has devoted his life to shaping champions who can take India to the Olympic podium. His guiding principle is simple yet profound:
“To create Olympic medalists for our nation.”
Roots of a Dream
Born in Amarapuram, Kottayam, Kerala, to late P. K. Chellappan Sir and Janamma Teacher, Ajithkumar’s sporting journey began with Merikutty Teacher, who nurtured his discipline and passion. Later, P. V. Velsi Sir honed his talent at the university level.
Backed by his village Amara and the National Arts and Sports Club, he grew into a formidable athlete. His efforts were recognized in 1991, when he won the Best Athlete Award from the Government of Kerala, setting the stage for a lifelong career in athletics.
Mentorship and Growth
Two great mentors shaped his career path:
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Dr. Mohan Alva, Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, who gave him opportunities to coach.
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Sri P. T. Ouseph Sir, mentor of P. T. Usha, who refined his technical knowledge.
This blend of guidance and opportunity molded him into a visionary coach.
Leadership Roles
Dr. Ajithkumar now contributes to sports and education through key positions:
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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
These roles enable him to merge science, academics, and training into one holistic framework.
Achievements That Made History
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2023 – Produced India’s first World University Games medalist in long jump, when Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi won bronze (6.42m, Chengdu, China).
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2017 – Awarded Best Coach by Kerala State Athletics Association.
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2023 – Honored with Best Coach Award by Alva’s Education Foundation.
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Introduced scientific and psychological training methods into Indian athletics.
Champions Trained Under Him
His athletes include:
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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 long jumper (PB: 6.55m).
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Sneha – Asian silver medalist in 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 – World University Games decathlete (9th place).
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Ali Ansari – Asian Youth silver medalist, now a coach.
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Rajesh Postel – Asian Junior silver medalist.
Beyond Athletics
Away from the track, he is a family man. His wife, Reena K. K., is a Section Officer in the Kerala Government Secretariat, and together they raise two daughters, Aleena Ajith and Ananya Ajith. Based in Thiruvananthapuram, he balances family life with his demanding professional commitments.
The Road Ahead
From the lanes of Kerala to international arenas, Dr. Ajithkumar’s mission remains clear: to prepare athletes who can bring Olympic medals home. His journey is living proof that with discipline, science, and vision, India can emerge as a global force in athletics.
✨ Dr. C. Ajithkumar is not just producing athletes — he is nurturing India’s Olympic future.
