Founders – Yadhavi Sports Academy

Selvan Kandaswamy

admin-ysa — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:48:35 +0000

Mr. Selvan Kandaswamy is a dedicated special parent and serves as a Director and Coordinator at the Yadhavi Foundation. With over 30 years of professional experience in the automotive OEM industry in Chennai, he brings strong organisational, leadership, and management expertise to his work within the special needs community.

For more than 13 years, he has been closely associated with Mr. Sathish Sivakumar, Founder of Yadhavi Sports Academy, actively supporting and promoting sports for individuals with special needs. His journey began through his son’s involvement in swimming, particularly open water swimming, which inspired him to become deeply engaged in the academy’s mission and activities.

Mr. Selvan plays a key role in the academy’s event management team, contributing to the planning, coordination, and execution of various initiatives and events. His attention to detail and commitment ensure that every programme is thoughtfully organised and successfully delivered.

He strongly believes that sports can serve as a powerful form of therapy for children and adults on the autism spectrum. Through structured physical activity, individuals can experience improvements in behaviour, learning abilities, confidence, and social interaction.

Driven by a vision of inclusivity and dignity, Mr. Selvan is committed to transforming societal perspectives by promoting empathy, respect, and equal opportunities for individuals with special needs. Through his continued efforts, he supports initiatives that empower individuals and foster a more compassionate and inclusive community.

V C GokulaKrishnan

admin-ysa — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:30:32 +0000

GokulaKrishnan V C is the Co-Founder of Yadhavi Foundation and the Head Coach at Yadhavi Sports Academy for Special Needs. He began his professional journey alongside Mr Sathish Sivakumar, Founder of Yadhavi Foundation, and together they established a strong foundation for inclusive sports education, driven by a shared vision of accessibility, structure, and long-term impact.

He holds an ASCA Level 4 Leadership Certification in Swimming, along with certifications as a Beginner Teaching Specialist in Scuba Diving, CFR (Corrective Functional Resistance) Fitness Trainer, and Motor Skill Teaching Specialist. His expertise spans aquatic coaching, fitness conditioning, and motor skill development, enabling him to deliver safe, individualised, and effective training programmes.

GokulaKrishnan V C firmly believes that “Sports is not just about winning medals; it is about building confidence, discipline, and a stronger future for every child.” This philosophy guides his coaching approach and reinforces the academy’s commitment to empowering children of all abilities through sports.

Sathish Sivakumar

admin-ysa — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:30:22 +0000

Mr Sathish Sivakumar is an internationally certified coach and lifelong member of the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA). With advanced qualifications in adaptive sports coaching, he has extensive experience in developing fundamental sports skills in children with special needs, emphasising inclusion, safety, and personalised learning.

He holds multiple Safety Training Awards (STA), including the Level 2 Award in Aquatic Teaching for People with Disabilities, and is fully qualified in resuscitation, first aid, and ILLFS Level 3 Beach Lifeguarding (QCF). Through his leadership, Yadhavi Sports Academy provides a structured, nurturing, and empowering environment for children to achieve their potential in sports.