K. P. Thomas

K. P. Thomas also known as Thomas Mash is an athletics coach from Kerala, India. In 2013, he received Dronacharya Award, India's highest award for sports coaching. He is the first-ever Physical Education instructor to win the Dronacharya.

Thomas's autobiography, Empowerment of Nation Through Sports, was launched in May 2018, in an event celebrating his 75th birthday.

Biography Kurishingal Philip Thomas was born on 1943, in Vazhithala in Idukki district. After passing three levels of the Army Physical Training Corps' (APTC) training courses in 1970's, in 1979, Thomas done the Master of Physical Education degree from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior.

Coaching career Thomas was an Indian Army coach from 1963 to 1979. After retiring from Koruthodu School, Thomas Mash, joined as coach at Entayar School for a while, and is now coaching the children along with his son Rajas, a coach at Thodupuzha Vannappuram SNMV Higher secondary school.

World Malayalee Council Thomas Mash Sports Academy started in 2015 at Vannappuram in Idukki district with the help of World Malayalee Council.

Many prominent sportspersons who have participated in international competitions for India including Shiny Wilson, Anju Bobby George, Jincy Phillip, Molly Chacko, C. S. Muralidharan, Joseph G. Abraham are Thomas Mash's disciples. It was he who turned Anju Bobby George, who had come to train in long-distance running, to jump events.

Awards and recognition In 2013, he received Dronacharya Award, India's highest award for sports coaching. He is the first-ever physical education teacher-cum-coach to win the Dronacharya.

Thomas's autobiography, Empowerment of Nation Through Sports, was launched in an event titled Guruvandanam, celebrating his 75th birthday, in May 2018.