New Delhi | June 30, 2025
India’s sports glory is often measured by the number of medals won. But behind every victorious sprinter, jumper, or record-breaker, there are silent architects whose grit, wisdom, and persistence remain in the shadows. Dr. C. Ajithkumar is one such name—a coach whose life has been less about recognition and more about revolutionizing athletics at the grassroots and international levels.
Born in 1972 in Palakkulam, nestled in Kerala’s Changanassery Taluk, Dr. Ajithkumar grew up in a family deeply rooted in education. His father, Chellappan Sir, and mother, Janamma Teacher, were not only educators by profession but mentors in life—instilling in him discipline, humility, and an unshakable sense of purpose.
From Speed to Strategy
Before shaping others, Dr. Ajithkumar ran his own race—literally. A sprinter for the Kerala State and MG University teams between 1988 and 1992, he recorded 10.76 seconds in 100m and 21.87 seconds in 200m. He received the State Award for Best Sportsmanship in 1991 and later earned a silver medal in his debut Services Meet while serving at the Indian Navy Headquarters, Mumbai.
But the track was only the beginning of his journey.
Coaching India’s Fastest Feet and Furthest Leaps
With a coaching career spanning over two decades, Dr. Ajithkumar has trained over 25 international athletes, producing 24 medals for India across global events.
His standout trainees include:
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Sneha S S – Gold at the Taiwan Open, Silver at the 2025 Asian Championships, 100m PB: 11.41s
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Nayana James – Asian No. 1 in long jump, 2017–18
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Jijin Vijayan – World Youth finalist in France (2011)
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Ranga – 4th place at 2019 Doha Asian Games, 100m in 11.42s
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Bhavani Yadav Bhagabathi – First Indian to win a long jump medal (Bronze) in 121 years at the 2023 World University Games, China
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Plus, 12 elite women jumpers, each crossing the 6-meter mark, a feat once considered elite in Indian women’s long jump.
Institutions That Trusted His Vision
Dr. Ajithkumar has lent his expertise to some of India’s top sporting and academic institutions:
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SSB (Delhi)
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MG University, Kerala University, Calicut University
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Alva’s 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 leads 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 Still Catching Up
Despite his unmatched contribution to Indian sports, Dr. Ajithkumar is yet to receive a Dronacharya Award or any national honor. But those who’ve seen his work up close argue that few are more deserving.
“I’m not here for the spotlight. I coach to help athletes become the best version of themselves. If an award comes, it’s not mine alone—it belongs to every athlete who dared to believe,” he says.
A Disciple of the Greats, A Mentor to the Future
Dr. Ajithkumar carries forward the legacy of mentors like Ouseph Sir, AFI Joint Secretary P.I. Babu, Arjuna Awardee Padmini Thomas, and Coach Subhash George. Today, he mentors a new generation of athletes from his Delhi-based center and online platform Run With Ajith—a growing hub for training, inspiration, and coaching resources.
Contact Details:
Dr. C. Ajithkumar
Chief Project Director, Narendra Damodar Das Modi Institute of Sports & Science Research Centre
📍 J11, BK Dutt Colony, Near Ministry of Environment, Jor Bagh, New Delhi – 110003
📞 +91 85900 67043
🌐 https://runwithajith.ralfiz.com
✉️ ajithk65379@gmail.com
As India strides into a new era of athletic excellence, it’s time the nation salutes the coaches who make it possible. And there is no better place to start than with Dr. C. Ajithkumar.
