Article By
Deeksha D Rai , II BA, Alva’s College (Autonomous), Moodubidire
At a championship as vast and dynamic as the 85th All India Inter-University Athletics
Championship, every second matters. While athletes push their limits on the track and field,
another kind of performance unfolds behind the scenes one that guides, coordinates and connects
the entire event. Announcers play a crucial yet often unnoticed role, ensuring smooth transitions,
clear communication and sustained energy throughout the competition.
At this prestigious national meet hosted at Alva’s, two seasoned voices stood at the heart of the
action: Sri A. L. Muthu, an announcer with extensive international exposure, and Dr.
Ramachandra K, a familiar and respected voice in university and regional athletics. As the
official announcers of the championship, they steered the program, engaged athletes and
spectators, and ensured the meet progressed with precision and professionalism.
Sri A. L. Muthu: A Voice shaped by experience
A. L. Muthu is an international announcer known for his clarity, control and commanding
presence. Interestingly, his journey into announcing was never planned. A former baseball
player, he first picked up the microphone casually after a match to assist with commentary. “It
was very accidental for me,” he recalled a moment that would eventually lead him to some of the
biggest sporting stages.
From college-level events, he moved steadily into national and international circuits where
discipline, timing and protocol were paramount. Over the years, he has announced at major
events including the Asian Grand Prix, Asian Track and Field Championships, South Asian
Federation Games, and numerous international tournaments. He has also been associated with
the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) as both announcer and commentator. Beyond athletics,
his experience spans sports such as hockey, volleyball, basketball, beach volleyball, chess and
kabaddi. One of his proudest moments, he shared, was delivering Tamil commentary for the
Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony.
What distinguishes Muthu is his polished, formal delivery and deep understanding of event flow.
His voice sets the rhythm of competition. While experience has given him confidence — “When
I click the mic, whatever you say, I can deliver” he strongly believes preparation remains
essential, especially for commentary. “Without homework, we cannot prosper,” he emphasized.
Having worked with athletes from more than twenty countries, he views announcers as vital
links between athletes, officials and audiences. According to him, the foundation of good
announcing lies in attentive listening. “You should be a good listener first,” he said, explaining
how he constantly observes speakers from various fields to refine his craft.
Dr. Ramachandra K: Educator, Athlete and Announcer
Representing the academic and grassroots side of sports announcing is Dr. Ramachandra K,
whose voice is deeply familiar in university and regional competitions. Hailing from Nelyadi and educated across Karnataka, he holds multiple qualifications including M.A., M.P.Ed, M.Phil,
NIS Diploma and a Ph.D., blending academic excellence with practical sports experience.
Before stepping behind the microphone, Dr. Ramachandra was a national-level athlete,
representing Mangalore University for three consecutive years, and later served Karnataka as a
technical officer in Junior National Games. This strong grounding in rules, timing and event
procedures naturally supported his transition into announcing.
Alongside sports, he has made notable academic contributions — serving as guest faculty at
Mangalore University, presenting research papers at conferences, participating in BOE and BOS
committees, and authoring a Physical Education textbook under the National Education Policy
(NEP). His announcing career evolved through university and departmental meets, and his recent
selection by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has taken him to national-level events such
as the Indian Para Grand Prix, Khelo India competitions and World Para events.
His announcing style is informative and composed, focusing on clarity, athlete guidance and
event discipline. In campus environments especially, announcers often double as motivators and
coordinators, fostering a sense of unity. Through his work, Dr. Ramachandra demonstrates that
announcing is not merely communication it is an extension of sports education, instilling respect,
structure and discipline.
At the 85th All India Inter-University Athletics Championship, Sri A. L. Muthu and Dr.
Ramachandra K proved that an event’s success depends not only on what unfolds on the track,
but also on the voices that guide it. Their announcements kept the championship organized,
energetic and inclusive, ensuring athletes, officials and spectators remained connected
throughout the competition.
Together, they remind us that behind every great sporting moment are a voice that gives it
direction, meaning and momentum.