Assam Launches Coaches Orientation and Talent Development Program for Young Athletes
Introduction to the Initiative
The Government of Assam's Department of Sports and Youth Welfare is collaborating with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) to host a Coaches Orientation and Development Programme. This event, aimed at junior and developmental athletes, will take place in Guwahati from January 18 to 23, 2026. The initiative is spearheaded by Troy Douglas, a former Olympian and World Championships medallist, who serves as the Head Coach of IIS Athletics. His involvement brings Olympic-level coaching to Assam, contributing to a structured effort to enhance the state's athletics framework and support India's Olympic aspirations.
Expert Contributions
Adding to the programme's Olympic credentials, Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, the esteemed coach who mentored Neeraj Chopra to his historic Olympic gold in javelin, will participate in specialized sessions and talent evaluations. This initiative is part of a broader long-term athlete development strategy.
Programme Structure and Expertise
The programme will kick off at the Arjuna Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati, where athletes and coaches will collaborate with a panel of national and international experts. It combines advanced coaching education with a structured talent identification process, having already identified 150 under-18 athletes from across Assam through a comprehensive scouting initiative. Concurrently, 11 athletics coaches from seven districts are receiving training aligned with World Athletics standards, ensuring the integration of global best practices into Assam's coaching framework.
Coaching Team
The coaching panel includes Troy Douglas, Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, Ralph Mouchbahani from Germany, and World Athletics Level-2 Coaches Saharsh Shah and Bala Chaitanya. They will conduct sessions on modern track and field techniques, sports science, nutrition, recovery, and long-term athlete development.
Phased Implementation and Learnings
This phase in Guwahati builds on the programme's initial phase held at the IIS Centre in Vijayanagar, Karnataka. During the first week-long orientation, Assam's coaches received intensive training in scientific coaching methods, performance planning, and athlete management. The insights gained from that phase are now being applied in Assam through direct interaction with young athletes.
Future Aspirations for Assam Athletics
Looking ahead, the Department of Sports, Assam, and IIS aim to establish a satellite athletics centre in Guwahati. This centre will serve as a junior training and development hub, facilitating clear pathways for talented athletes to advance from grassroots competitions to elite national and international stages.