AFI lets down a talented coach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: What is common to Muhammed Anas Y, Anilda Thomas and

Anu Raghavan

? Apart from being Kerala athletes who have qualified for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in London, they have also been personally trained by

Kerala State Sports Council

’s elite centre coach

P B Jaikumar

.

Jaikumar, an NIS-qualified coach was absorbed by KSSC for its elite centre at Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE), Thiruvananthapuram because of his track record. Anu and Anila who won gold medals for Kerala in 400m and 400m hurdles and Anas, the national record holder in men’s 400m, who went on to represent India at Rio Olympics last year were trained by Jaikumar. Anas is also the Asian champion in 400m.

But the

Athletics Federation of India

seems to have ignored the coach when it comes to the national camp or for the world meet. Instead, PT Usha (coach) and Anju Bobby George (observer) are making the London trip. Usha’s only trainee Jisna is part of six-member of women’s 4x400m relay squad. Team manager Tony Daniel and Radhakrishnan Nair, the deputy national coach are others from Kerala who are part of the Indian contingent.

“It beats me. We have more tourists than real coaches and I’m not surprised either,” said T P Ouseph, a former national jumps coach. “I honestly do not know what’s happening in AFI. But, personally, I feel Jaikumar should have been there in London as coach because his three athletes are in the 24-member Indian squad,” he said.

“It does not bother me. I do my job and I’ll continue to work with my trainees and make them perform. This is the best I can do,” Jaikumar said.

Many coaches are anguished by the AFI’s action of ignoring trainers like Jaikumar who have delivered but are not willing to come on record fearing retribution.


Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays, public holidays, and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.