Assam strengthens Olympic path with global coaching expertise
Assam: Assam has taken a major step towards building a strong Olympic talent pipeline with the launch of the IIS-Department of Sports Coach Development and Talent Identification Program, led by internationally renowned coach Troy Douglas.
This initiative by the Assam Government’s Sports and Youth Welfare Department aims to strengthen grassroots athletics and nurture emerging talent through global-standard coaching and scientific training methods.
Launched on January 18th, the program focuses on identifying and developing junior and developmental athletes across the state, starting in Guwahati. By incorporating Olympic-level coaching expertise into the state’s sports ecosystem, the initiative aims to create a structured, long-term pathway for athletes aspiring to compete at the national and international level.
Further strengthening the program, Olympic gold medalist and renowned javelin throw coach Klaus Bartonietz will be involved in specialized sessions and athlete evaluations. Bartonietz, who has played a key role in building India’s javelin success, will help identify long-term athletic potential in Assam’s emerging talent.
The program is being conducted at the athletics complexes of the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex and Sarusajai Sports Complex, where athletes and coaches are undergoing a comprehensive national and international exposure framework.
The talent identification drive has already been conducted in all districts of Assam, with 150 under-18 athletes selected through a state-wide scouting process. These athletes, along with local coaches, are being trained under a World Athletics-aligned curriculum to ensure they are at par with international standards.
The initiative also includes virtual masterclasses from globally renowned experts such as Ralf Mouchabani of Germany, World Athletics Coaching Expert (Online), and World Athletics Level-2 coaches Sahras Shah and Bala Chaitanya. These sessions focus on modern track and field techniques, sports science integration, nutrition, recovery, and long-term athlete development.
A week-long orientation began at the IIS Centre in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, where coaches received intensive classroom and practical training in scientific coaching methods, performance planning, and athlete management. Learnings from the program are now being implemented on the ground through direct engagement with young athletes in Assam.
As part of its long-term vision, the Assam Sports Department is planning to build a satellite athletics center in Guwahati. This proposed center will serve as a hub for continuous training and athlete development, creating clear pathways from grassroots competition to top national and international platforms.
This initiative reflects Assam’s growing commitment to sports excellence and its desire to emerge as a key contributor to India’s future Olympic success.
