AFI Media Release
New Delhi, August 19: Athletics Federation of India today condoled the death of renowned coach OM Nambiar at the age of 89 years. He earned a great reputation by training the legendary PT Usha in the 80s and 90s and was honoured with the Dronacharya Award in 1985 and the Padma Shri earlier this year.
AFI President Adille J. Sumariwalla said from Nairobi, Kenya, that the country had lost a visionary. “Nambiar Sir’s contribution to Indian athletics can never be forgotten. He groomed PT Usha and was her coach when she finished fourth in the 400m Hurdles in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 and later dominated the Asian scene. On behalf of the athletics community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family,” he said.
Nambiar worked with the Indian Air Force from 1955 to 1970 during which time he represented Services. He completed the coaching diploma from the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports and trained the Services athletes for a while. Later, he joined the Kerala Sports Council as a coach when he discovered PT Usha in a selection trials in Thiruvananthapuram.
