New Delhi | June 30, 2025
In the high-stakes world of Indian athletics, where every tenth of a second counts and glory is measured in medals, there exists a silent force who has relentlessly shaped champions behind the scenes—Dr. C. Ajithkumar, a name synonymous with discipline, dedication, and development in track and field.
Born in 1972 in Palakkulam, Changanassery Taluk of Kerala’s Kottayam District, Dr. Ajithkumar was the seventh child in a family of educators. His father Chellappan Sir and mother Janamma Teacher instilled in him the power of knowledge and perseverance—values that would define his journey from an athlete to a master coach.
Sprinting Towards Purpose
Dr. Ajithkumar’s own athletic journey began on Kerala’s school tracks, soon rising to become a notable state-level sprinter. With impressive timings of 10.76 seconds in the 100m and 21.87 seconds in the 200m, he earned the Best Sportsmanship Award (1991). Representing MG University and Kerala State between 1988 and 1992, he later joined the Indian Navy Headquarters in Mumbai, where he secured a silver medal in his debut Services Meet in Hyderabad.
However, it wasn’t just speed that set him apart—it was vision.
From Track Star to Trailblazing Coach
Over the past 20+ years, Dr. Ajithkumar has mentored more than 25 international athletes, collectively winning 24 international medals—a feat few in Indian sports can parallel.
His standout protégés include:
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Sneha S S – Gold at Taiwan Open, Silver at 2025 Asian Championships (100m: 11.41 sec)
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Nayana James – Former Asian No. 1 in Long Jump (2017–2018)
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Jijin Vijayan – Finalist, World Youth Championships, France (2011)
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Ranga – 4th at 2019 Doha Asian Games (100m: 11.42 sec)
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Bhavani Yadav Bhagabathi – Bronze in Long Jump, 2023 World University Games, China (India’s first medal in 121 years)
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12 female long jumpers, all surpassing the 6-meter barrier
Leading Institutions, Building Foundations
Dr. Ajithkumar’s coaching legacy spans premier institutions, including:
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SSB (Delhi Police)
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MG, Calicut & Kerala Universities
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Alva’s Education Foundation, Karnataka
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Mission Gold (Kerala Cricket Association)
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HRDS India Sports Academy
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Indira Gandhi Technological & Medical Sciences University, Arunachal Pradesh
He currently serves as:
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Sports Director, Shaheed Bhagat Singh University, Punjab
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Chief Project Director, Narendra Damodar Das Modi Institute of Sports & Science Research Centre, Gujarat
Recognition Long Overdue
Despite transforming the landscape of Indian athletics, Dr. Ajithkumar has yet to receive a national award. The absence of a Dronacharya Award, many argue, is a glaring oversight. As his students continue to shine on global stages, the sports fraternity is rallying for his long-overdue recognition.
Mentored by Masters, Moulding the Future
Dr. Ajithkumar humbly acknowledges his mentors—Dronacharya Awardee Ouseph Sir, AFI Joint Secretary P.I. Babu, Arjuna Awardee Padmini Thomas, and Coach Subhash George—whose philosophies he carries forward in his own coaching style.
From his base at J11, BK Dutt Colony, near the Ministry of Environment, New Delhi, he continues to produce top-tier athletes and share knowledge through his digital platform, Run With Ajith.
A Voice of Purpose, Not Prestige
“I’ve trained to win for the country, not for awards. But if my efforts highlight the role of the coach in every medal journey, that’s the greatest honor,” he says, encapsulating the humility and fire that define him.
Contact Information:
Dr. C. Ajithkumar
Chief Project Director
Narendra Damodar Das Modi Institute of Sports and Science Research Centre
📍 J11, BK Dutt Colony, Near Ministry of Environment, Jor Bagh, New Delhi – 110003
📞 +91 85900 67043
🌐 runwithajith.ralfiz.com
✉️ ajithk65379@gmail.com
