Dronacharya awardee athletics coach Saini dies

Veteran athletics coach and Dronacharya awardee Joginder Singh Saini, who groomed some of India's finest track and field stars, died here on Sunday due to age-related problems.

He was 90.

Saini, who remained the chief national athletics coach for many years from the 1970s to 90s, was not keeping well for the past few days.

"I am truly sad to hear of the passing away of our colleague, my chief coach and mentor, Mr. JS Saini," AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said.

"He loved athletics and contributed to Athletics Federation of India till his last day. He was my friend, philosopher and guide and helped me immensely in my role as AFI President with his sound advice," Sumariwalla said in his condolence message.

Born on January 1, 1930 in Hoshiarpur district in Punjab, Saini was a science graduate and became an athletics coach in 1954 after completing a diploma in physical education and a course in coaching at the NIS Patiala.

He became the chief coach of the then Amateur Athletics ...