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Assam Launches Olympic Talent Hunt with Neeraj Chopra's Coach & Olympian Troy Douglas

The Department of Sports, Assam, and the Inspire Institute of Sport are conducting a coaches' development and talent identification programme in Guwahati. The initiative is led by former Olympian Troy Douglas and features Dr Klaus Bartonietz, the renowned coach of Neeraj Chopra. It involves training 11 state coaches and evaluating 150 identified under-18 athletes. The long-term plan includes establishing a satellite athletics centre in Guwahati to create a clear pathway for athletes.

Key Points: Assam, IIS Launch Olympic Talent ID Programme with Top Coaches

  • Coach & talent development programme in Guwahati
  • Led by Olympian Troy Douglas & Neeraj Chopra's coach
  • 150 under-18 athletes identified statewide
  • Aims to establish a satellite athletics centre
  • Part of Assam's long-term Olympic pathway vision
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Assam strengthens Olympic Pathways as Troy Douglas Leads IIS-Dept of Sports' Coaches Development & Talent Identification Programme

Assam partners with Inspire Institute of Sport for coach & athlete development programme led by Olympian Troy Douglas & Neeraj Chopra's coach Dr Klaus Bartonietz.

"bringing Olympic-level coaching expertise into the state - Press Release"

Guwahati, January 19

The Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport, is conducting a Coaches Orientation & Development Programme alongside a Talent Identification initiative for junior and developmental athletes in Guwahati from January 18 to 23, 2026. The programme is being led by Troy Douglas, former Olympian, World Championships medallist, and Head Coach of IIS Athletics, bringing Olympic-level coaching expertise into the state as part of a structured, long-term effort to strengthen Assam's athletics ecosystem and align it with India's Olympic ambitions.

In a further boost to the programme's Olympic pedigree, Dr Klaus Bartonietz, the renowned coach who guided iconic javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra to India's historic Olympic gold medal, will be involved in specialised sessions and the evaluation of emerging talent as part of the initiative's long-term athlete development framework. The on-ground programme will commence at the Arjuna Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati, where athletes and coaches will work under a panel of national and international experts, as per a press release.

The programme combines advanced coach education and structured talent identification, with 150 under-18 athletes from across Assam identified through a state-wide scouting process. In parallel, 11 athletics coaches from seven districts are being trained under a World Athletics-aligned curriculum, ensuring that international best practices are embedded within the state's coaching framework.

Alongside Troy Douglas, the coaching team includes Dr Klaus Bartonietz, Ralph Mouchbahani from Germany, World Athletics Coaching Expert (online), and World Athletics Level-2 Coaches Saharsh Shah and Bala Chaitanya, who will deliver sessions focused on modern track and field techniques, sports science integration, nutrition, recovery, and long-term athlete development.

The Guwahati phase builds on the programme's first phase, which was conducted earlier at the IIS Centre in Vijayanagar, Karnataka. During the initial week-long orientation, Assam's coaches underwent intensive classroom and practical training in scientific coaching methodologies, performance planning, and athlete management. The learnings from that phase are now being implemented on the ground in Assam through direct engagement with young athletes.

As part of its long-term vision, the Department of Sports, Assam, and IIS plan to establish a satellite athletics centre in Guwahati, which will function as a junior training and development hub, creating clear pathways for promising athletes to progress from grassroots competition to elite national and international platforms.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, a structured approach! Identifying 150 U-18 athletes is a great start. But the key will be sustaining this. We've seen many programmes start with fanfare and then fizzle out. Hope the Assam govt and IIS ensure continuous funding and follow-up. The coach training is especially crucial.
R
Rohit P
As someone from Guwahati, I'm thrilled to see this happening here. Our kids are passionate about sports but often lack proper guidance. Having world-class coaches come to the Arjuna Baruah Complex is a big deal. Hope they also focus on facilities and diet, not just technique.
M
Michael C
This is the kind of public-private partnership India needs to build a sporting culture. IIS has a proven track record. Integrating sports science and nutrition from the junior level is how you build champions. Hope other states replicate this model.
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Sneha F
Wonderful initiative! But a small note of caution - let's ensure the talent identification is truly inclusive and reaches remote districts, not just urban centres. And please, for the love of sports, keep politics and nepotism out of the selection process. Let pure talent shine.
K
Karthik V
Dr. Klaus Bartonietz's involvement is the highlight for me. The man who crafted Neeraj's golden throw is now scouting in Assam! Imagine finding the next javelin star from the Northeast. This is how we build depth, not just rely on one-off talents. Bahut badhiya! 🙌

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