In a world where medals speak louder than dedication, and fame often overshadows contribution, one man continues to serve Indian athletics with unmatched sincerity and silence—Dr. C. Ajithkumar, a name that should have been etched in golden letters in our nation’s sporting history, but sadly remains unsung.
A Runner’s Heart, A Coach’s Vision
Before he became India’s most selfless and scientific athletics coach, Dr. C. Ajithkumar was a fearless sprinter tearing down the tracks of Kerala, collecting medals in the 100m and 200m sprints. Representing S.B. College, Changanacherry under Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, he competed from 1987 to 1992, securing laurels at the Junior Nationals and All India University Games.
He didn’t come from privilege. He came from Thrickodithanam, a quiet village in Kottayam, Kerala. His early victories weren’t covered in newspapers. There were no viral videos, no social media applause. Just sweat, effort, and an unrelenting will to succeed.
A History-Making Coach—Ignored at Home
Fast forward to 2023—Dr. Ajithkumar did what no Indian coach had ever done before. His athlete, Bhavani Yadav Bhagavathi, won a medal at the World University Games in Chengdu, China—a first for India in that event under Indian coaching.
He stood with pride at Rashtrapati Bhavan, watching his athlete being honored by the President of India. And yet—no recognition came his way. Not even a certificate. Not a handshake. Not a word of thanks from the authorities. For a man who put India on the global athletics map in university sports, this was not just disappointing—it was heartbreaking.
“I made history for India. But history didn’t even notice,” he says, his voice calm but heavy.
The Power Behind India’s Athletic Rise
In a career spanning more than two decades, Dr. Ajithkumar has mentored:
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18 international medal-winning athletes
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Dozens of national champions
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Athletes who rose from nothing to become stars
From Nayana James leaping 6.55 meters under his watch, to shaping national university teams into Asian champions, his touch has transformed careers.
His roles across India include:
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Indian Team Coach – World University Championship (2023)
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Indian Police Team Coach – World Police Games (China, 2019)
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Coach – Asian Athletics Meet (Bhubaneswar, 2017)
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Head Coach – Indira Gandhi Technological & Medical Sciences University
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Visiting Professor – Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodabidri
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Sports Director – Shaheed Bhagat Singh University
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Chief Project Director – HRDS India
He also served as Coach of Mangalore University from 2017 to 2024, leading them to numerous titles.
Awards Received – But Still Not Enough
Despite institutional honors and the respect of his athletes, the larger sporting ecosystem continues to ignore his biggest contributions:
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Indian University Best Coach Award (2023)
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Amaruthavani Karnataka Award (2023)
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SSB Best Coach Award (2019)
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Kerala State Athletic Association Coach Award (2017)
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Sports Science India Best Coach Award (2024)
But where is the national honor for the man who created a moment that had never before existed in Indian athletics?
India, Are You Listening?
It is not every day that a man rises from humble beginnings, excels as an athlete, dedicates his life to coaching, and gifts his nation a moment of global pride. It is not every day that such a man is forgotten in the very moment he should have been celebrated.
Dr. C. Ajithkumar doesn’t need applause. He doesn’t demand headlines. All he ever wanted was to serve. But India owes him more than silence.
It’s time we change that.
