PT Usha's coach OM Nambiar passes away

KOZHIKODE: OM Nambiar, one of the best sports coaches of all time in the country has passed away. He was the coach of PT Usha, and made a name for himself in Indian athletics. OM Nambiar, India's first Dronacharya Award winner, was honored by the country with the Padma Award this year.

OM Nambiar has coached in several international sports, including two Olympics, four Asiads and one World Championship. He became more famous as PT Usha's coach. He coached PT Usha at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

In 1970, he was appointed as the coach of the Kerala Sports Council. After the formation of the Kannur Sports Division, he coached there. Usha was a student of Kannur Sports School. He later became Usha's personal trainer, and later became a trainer for Sports Authority of India and State Sports Council.

After Usha finished fourth in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he was honored by the country with the Drona Charya Award in 1985. OM Nambiar also has the reputation of being the first Malayalee trainer to be awarded the Padma award.