Behind every record-breaking jump, every sprint finish, and every victory lap, there is a figure who rarely takes center stage. In Indian athletics, that figure is often Dr. C. Ajithkumar—a coach, mentor, and former athlete whose contributions have propelled India’s sporting talent onto the world stage. Yet, despite over two decades of extraordinary work, the man himself continues to await the recognition he has rightfully earned.

Born in 1972 in Thrickodithanam, a village in Kottayam District, Kerala, Dr. Ajithkumar’s journey in athletics began with his own achievements on the track. Between 1987 and 1992, he was a formidable sprinter, earning medals at junior national and All India University levels, representing Mahatma Gandhi University (MG University), Kottayam. He pursued his education at SB College, Changanacherry, where he completed both his pre-degree and degree courses while excelling in the 100m and 200m events.

What distinguishes Dr. Ajithkumar is not just his personal excellence, but the ability to identify and shape talent. For the past 25 years, he has served in various capacities across India’s top educational and athletic institutions, including:

Alva’s Education Foundation, Karnataka

Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTMS), Arunachal Pradesh

Mangalore University (Athletics Coach: 2017–2024)

Shaheed Bhagat Singh University (Current Director of Sports)

HRDS India (Chief Project Director of Sports Academy)

His coaching portfolio reads like a roll call of India’s athletic elite. He has trained more than 18 international athletes, guiding them to secure 22 international medals. Names like Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi, Nayana James, S S Sneha, and Clinton Jackson are just a few of the champions who have thrived under his mentorship.

Among his most historic moments came in 2023, when his student Bhavani Yadav won a medal in the Long Jump at the World University Athletic Championships in Chengdu, China. It was the first time India had ever secured a medal in that event at the world university level—a groundbreaking achievement. Yet, no national award, formal commendation, or even symbolic memento was offered to the coach behind it.

Other Notable Coaching Highlights:

Chief Coach, Indian Team – World University Championships, Chengdu (2023)

Indian Team Coach – Asian Track and Field Meet, Bhubaneswar (2017)

Coach, World Police Games, China (2019)

Chief Coach, SSB Central Police Force, Delhi (2018–2020)

State Athletics Coach, Kerala (2011, 2015)

Recognitions Received:

Best Coach Award – Sports Science India (2024)

Indian University Best Coach Award (2023)

Amaruthavani Media Award, Karnataka (2023)

SSB Best Coach Award, Central Police Department (2019)

Kerala State Athletic Association Best Coach Award (2017)

His legacy is not just about medals but about mentorship, resilience, and the power of sports as a tool for nation-building. On December 20, 2023, he had the honor of visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan with India’s medal-winning university athletes, where they were felicitated by the President of India. For Dr. Ajithkumar, it was a moment of quiet pride—a rare acknowledgment in a journey largely marked by modesty and perseverance.

But the question remains: Why has a coach of such stature not yet been honored with the Dronacharya Award or similar national recognition?

His athletes continue to make India proud. His work continues to inspire the next generation of sports professionals. And yet, the coach behind so many of these triumphs continues to operate in the shadows.