Sundernagar tutor whose initiative worked wonders for students during Covid gets Himachal Teacher’s Award

Sanjay Kumar Yadav honoured for outstanding contribution to education, sports

MANDI: Sanjay Kumar Yadav, an international athlete and recipient of the Parshuram Award, is being honored with the prestigious State Teacher Award for his exemplary services in the field of education.

Currently serving as the Director of Physical Education (DPE) at the Government Boys Senior Secondary School in Sundernagar, Yadav was felicitated on Thursday by the Himachal Governor during the National Teachers’ Day celebrations at Raj Bhavan.

Career in teaching and sports

While excelling in his role as a teacher, Yadav has also made a name for himself in the world of sports. He has represented Himachal Pradesh in several national and international competitions, securing numerous medals for the state. His significant contributions to sports have earned him Himachal Pradesh’s highest sporting accolade, the Parshuram Award.

Yadav has also received distinguished titles in wrestling, including Himachal Kumar and Himachal Kesari, in recognition of his achievements in the sport. A PhD holder in physical education, he has contributed to the sports world as both a player and a coach in national and international arenas.

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Recognitions from state leadership

Yadav’s excellence has been acknowledged by the Himachal Pradesh government on several occasions. The Chief Minister has previously awarded him the Parshuram Award for his outstanding performance in sports. In 2012, he received a commendation certificate from the Director of Higher Education and was also recognised by the then Chief Minister.

Success in coaching, athlete development

Over the past five years, Yadav has trained nine national-level athletes in wrestling and judo, in addition to mentoring 19 state-level medalists and 10 district-level winners. His commitment to nurturing young talent has significantly boosted the school’s standing in sports.

As a coach, Yadav led his team to success at the 2024 National School Games Judo (Under-17), held in Ludhiana, Punjab, where his team won four bronze medals. Additionally, at the National School Games Wrestling (Under-19) held in New Delhi, his athletes secured one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.

Initiatives during Covid-19 lockdown

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Yadav played an instrumental role in keeping students active by organising class-wise online morning assemblies. These sessions included yoga and mandatory sports activities for all students, with special self-defence training for girls.

Yadav has not only contributed as a coach but also as a competitor. He won gold, silver and bronze medals at the All-India Civil Services Wrestling Championship during the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, respectively. His achievements further established him as a prominent figure in Indian wrestling.

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International exposure and refereeing

Yadav was the first Indian to qualify as an international referee with an A-Class licence for the World Kickboxing Organization (WAKO) in 2021. He also participated in an international training programme in Singapore, organised by the Himachal Pradesh Education Department from April 4-9, 2024.

Apart from his achievements on the field, Yadav has contributed to the academic world, publishing more than 10 research papers in international journals. His work primarily focuses on the development of school-level sports in Himachal Pradesh, making his contributions unique and valuable for the region.

Transforming school sports culture

Since joining the education department in July 2007 as a physical education teacher, Yadav has played a crucial role in revolutionising sports culture at the Government Boys Senior Secondary School in Sundernagar. He has introduced compulsory sports programmes for all students, encouraging them to engage in wrestling, judo, kickboxing and kurash. His initiatives have brought a renewed sense of enthusiasm among students, making sports a vibrant part of their daily lives.