S. D. Eshan, Senior Vice President – SWC State Association Executive Committee, Karnataka, is a distinguished Arjuna Awardee and an Athletic Coach who has made remarkable contributions to Indian athletics. With a career spanning over three decades, Eshan's achievements both as an athlete and coach have left an indelible mark on the sporting community. Throughout his career, Eshan has garnered numerous prestigious awards and honours. He was the Hinduja Award Winner, a recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, and also honoured with the Indian Railway Best Sportsman Award. His outstanding achievements in athletics were further recognised by the Ekalavya Karnataka Sports Award, presented by the Governor of Karnataka (Khurshid Alam Khan), and the Karnataka Olympic Award, given by Governor Vajubhai Vala. He was also awarded the Karnataka State Dasara Award by the Chief Minister of Karnataka (Veerappa Moily).
S. D. Eshan's dedication to athletics is reflected in his impressive record, with 11 Gold Medals in National Level Competitions, 18 Gold Medals in State Championships, and 2 Gold Medals at the All India University Championships. His exceptional performance earned him a prominent place in the sports community, making him a key figure in Indian athletics. Eshan’s contribution to athletics extended beyond his competitive career. He served in Indian Railways for 36 years, significantly impacting the sports culture, training, and mentoring athletes. He was also a Monetary Committee Member of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) and the Bangalore Urban District Athletic Association (BUDAA), further contributing to the growth of athletics in India.
On the international stage, Eshan represented India in several prestigious competitions, including the Asian Games in China, the Asian Track and Field Events in New Delhi and Malaysia, and International Circuit Competitions in Germany. He was also selected for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and Great Britain. In addition to his competitive success, Eshan represented India as a coach in countries like Germany, Moscow, Holland, and Pakistan, sharing his expertise and developing future talent. S. D. Eshan’s legacy as both an athlete and coach is marked by excellence, dedication, and lasting influence on Indian athletics. His contributions continue to inspire athletes and coaches across the country.