JICA and Nippon Sport Science University Strengthens Assam’s Sports Ecosystem with Leadership and Coach Developer Training Program

Guwahati, 15 December 2025: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), conducted a specialized workshop titled “Cultivating Future Coach Developers: Enabling Athletes as Decision Makers in Assam” from December 9 to 13, 2025 in Guwahati. The program is part of JICA’s ongoing preparation efforts to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem by introducing evidence-based coaching practices, leadership development, and structured pathways for continuous coach education.

Led by Dr. ITO Masamitsu, Professor at Nippon Sport Science University, the workshop introduced modern approaches to athlete development, emphasizing a shift from traditional instruction-based coaching to methods that empower athletes to take ownership and to make informed decisions. Athlete-centered coaching was introduced as a crucial component of long-term athlete development and to promote broader social value of sport.

Designed in close coordination with the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam, the sessions focused on developing future Coach Developers who can play a pivotal role in enabling ongoing learning and upskilling within the coaching community. Topics spanned coaching methodology, sport psychology, training science, leadership, and Japanese Kaizen principle of continuous improvement.

The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Kausar Jami Hilaly, Special Secretary, Sports & Youth Welfare Department, Government of Assam. During the five-day workshop, participants engaged in active learning exercises, group work, reflective discussions, and scenario-based activities that blended theory with practical application.

The workshops received enthusiastic response and positive feedback from the participants, many of whom highlighted how the experience reshaped their understanding of athlete-centered coaching and lifelong learning.

Inaugurating the workshop, Mr. Kausar Jami Hilaly, highlighted the need for importance of coaching philosophy centered on holistic development of athletes. He emphasized on the need for empowering grass root level coaches to make them independent, situation-based decision makers rather than relying solely on top-down directives. He expressed confidence that the five-day program would help coaches internalize this progressive approach. He acknowledged the presence of an participants from diverse sports domain in the workshop and hoped that their knowledge and insights will offer a valuable and distinct framework for both coaches and athletes as they advance in their practice.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. ITO Masamitsu said, “When athletes are empowered as decision-makers, they not only perform better but also carry the values of sport discipline, resilience, and teamwork into society. Through this workshop, we hope to nurture leaders who can elevate coaching and athlete development across Assam.”

Mr. WAKAMATSU Eiji, Senior Representative, JICA India Office, added, “Sport has the potential to drive both social and performance transformation. JICA is delighted to work with the State Government and NSSU to strengthen the coaching ecosystem in Assam and promote a culture of lifelong learning.”

The Assam workshop reinforced JICA’s commitment to enhancing India–Japan cooperation in the field of sports and human resource development, with a focus on fostering local leadership and sustainable systems of coach education. The Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, JICA and NSSU are hopeful to continue with future collaboration in the field of sports and coach development.