Guwahati: Encouraging athletes to think independently, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their performance—this is how coaches in Japan are trained, and the same athlete-centred philosophy is now being introduced in Assam through a Japan-backed workshop aimed at reshaping coaching practices in the state.
The five-day workshop, titled “Cultivating Future Coach Developers: Enabling Athletes as Decision Makers in Assam,” was organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU) and held in Guwahati from December 9 to 13.
The programme marked a shift away from traditional instruction-driven coaching towards athlete-centred development, an approach widely practised in Japan that links sporting excellence with long-term personal and social development. The initiative forms part of JICA’s 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 that prioritise autonomy, decision-making, and long-term growth. Sessions covered coaching methodology, sports psychology, training science, leadership skills, and the Japanese Kaizen principle of continuous improvement.
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.”
The programme was designed in close coordination with the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, with a focus on developing future Coach Developers who can support ongoing learning and upskilling within the coaching community across disciplines.
The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of Kausar Jami Hilaly, Special Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Government of Assam. Addressing the participants, Hilaly emphasised the importance of a coaching philosophy centred on the holistic development of athletes and the empowerment of grassroots coaches. He said coaches must be equipped to make independent, situation-based decisions rather than rely solely on top-down directives.
Participants took part in interactive learning through group work, reflective discussions, and scenario-based exercises that blended theory with practical application. Many described the programme as transformative, saying it reshaped their understanding of athlete-centred coaching and lifelong learning.
Speaking further on the initiative, Dr. Ito Masamitsu reiterated that empowering athletes as decision-makers improves both performance and personal development. Wakamatsu Eiji, Senior Representative of the JICA India Office, said the collaboration reflects sport’s potential to drive social and performance transformation.
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 Guwahati workshop reinforces India–Japan cooperation in sports and human resource development, highlighting shared commitments to advancing coaching standards and athlete development across regions.
The Guwahati workshop further reinforces India–Japan cooperation in sports and human resource development, with the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, JICA, and NSSU expressing optimism about continuing collaboration to build sustainable, locally driven systems of coach education in Assam.
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