Kozhikode: Eminent sports coach and former trainer of Olympian PT Usha, OM Nambiar, passed away at his residence in Kozhikode Thursday evening. He was 89 .
Nambiar shot to fame after the heroics of Usha in athletics in various international competitions. His technical brilliance and persistent motivation were said to be the success of Usha in international athletics.
In 1985, he was conferred with the maiden Dronacharya Award, which is given to outstanding coaches in the country. He was also awarded the Padmasree for his overall contributions in the field of athletics in 2021.
Also read: Better than never: PT Usha's coach OM Nambiar talks about 'late' Padma recognition
Nambiar was born in a small village near Payyoli in Kannur, Kerala, which is also the native place of Usha. He took to athletics naturally and was a champion athlete during his college days at Guruvayurappan College in Kozhikode.
His college principal was the one who advised Nambiar to join the armed forces and continue his athletic career.
He was selected for the Indian Air Force in 1955. Though he achieved much success in national meets representing the Services, he, however, never got to represent India internationally.
After his career as an athlete came to an end, Nambiar decided to take up coaching. He got his coaching diplomas from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala.
The teacher-student relationship between Nambiar and Usha started in 1976 when he was working at the Kannur sports division. He spotted Usha at a prize distribution ceremony after the selection trials for the divisions. Usha was selected and thus began the partnership that brought many laurels for India in international events.
