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MALAYALI COACH WHO MADE KARNATAKA CHAMPIONS IN SWIMMING

After completing diploma from NIS, Patiala, when Pradeep Kumar.S wanted to start his career as a swimming coach in Kerala, there were no avenues open.  In desperation he accepted a 6-months appointment to coach 7 persons at a private swimming centre in Bangalore.  That was 15 years ago.

Today the same Aquatic Centre admits 100 participants for training based on selection trials.  There are 15 trainers to assist Pradeep at the Centre.  Today he is the only Indian to have undergone the American Swimming Association Level-5 training.  His wards include Arjuna Award winners and Olympic participants.

From a virtual zero in swimming, Karnataka emerged as national champions thanks to his training.  During the last 10 years they were champions for 9 years.

Impressed by the transformation he had brought about in Karnataka, he was made the national coach for World and SAAF championships.  Twice he has declined the post of chief coach of India lest the office should interfere with his freedom.

Even as a 13-year-old swimming in the temple pond in his native village, Pacha, Nandiyode, Thiruvananthapuram, Pradeep was fond of donning the jersey of a trainer.

This year he spoke at a clinic organized by Kerala Sports Council where his early gurus, Kesavan Nair, Valsa Kumar and Komalam were present.  Though Pradeep was hesitant to ‘teach’ his teachers, they encouraged him: “As one who has gone abroad and learned more than what we know, it would be a fitting ‘gurudakshina’ for you to share your knowledge with us.”

Courtesy: Pradeep Pillai (text), Binu Thomas (photo), Sree, Malayala Manorama, April 7, 2002

Contributed by: Administrator

"If the string is long, the kite will fly high."