New Delhi: In a sport where identity is usually bound to one hand, one technique, and one perspective, table tennis coach Kamesh Gareri has carved an extraordinary niche for himself. Known across the circuit as “The Ambidextrous Coach”, Kamesh is a rare figure in Indian sports — someone who not only plays with both hands but also coaches with a dual perspective that has redefined the way young players experience the game.
A Rare Gift in Indian Table Tennis
For most players, table tennis is a story told through one hand — right or left. Their training, their strategy, even their confidence is tied to that choice. But for Kamesh, both hands tell the story. His ability to switch seamlessly between the left and the right has become his identity. Players and fellow coaches often marvel at his adaptability, calling it both a sporting gift and a coaching superpower.
This ambidexterity did not come overnight. It was the result of years of mentorship and training under some of India’s most respected coaches.
Shaped by Mentors, Built by Dual Training
Kamesh’s left hand was molded by none other than Vijay Sharathi, the former Indian team coach, who brought discipline, finesse, and a world-class approach to his game. Under Sharathi’s guidance, Kamesh learned how to approach the sport with sharp tactical awareness and the calm mindset of an international player.
On the other side, his right hand was developed under two stalwarts of the sport at the state level — B.C. Bania, known for his lifelong service to grassroots coaching, and Lam Nonglait, who sharpened his technical base. With them, Kamesh absorbed the values of patience, persistence, and the importance of building players from the foundation up.
The outcome of this dual mentorship was unusual: two distinct styles and philosophies merging into one player. For Kamesh, it was like having “two lives within the same sport.”
Seeing the Game From Both Sides
Kamesh’s unique training has given him a vision of the game that very few can claim. Where others see rallies and angles from a fixed point of view, he sees them from both. Whether it’s anticipating a left-handed opponent’s tricky serve or guiding a right-handed player to unlock new strategies, his mind works like a mirror — constantly shifting and adapting.
He often tells his students, “When you learn to think from both hands, you discover solutions others cannot.”
This perspective has made him an invaluable coach, especially for young talents trying to overcome weaknesses or push past plateaus. His students often remark that training with him feels like having two coaches in one — each offering insights the other side of the table might miss.
More Than Technique — A Life Philosophy
For Kamesh, ambidexterity has grown into more than a coaching skill. It has become a guiding principle. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: adaptability is strength.
“If your right hand fails you, use your left. If one path is blocked, find another,” he says, turning the sport into a metaphor for life itself. His students are encouraged not only to master their strokes but also to embrace change, balance, and resilience in every challenge they face.
This approach resonates deeply in today’s world, where uncertainty and competition are part of every journey. Parents often acknowledge that their children, after being coached by Kamesh, don’t just become better athletes — they also become more patient, balanced, and creative in life.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Indian Players
Today, Kamesh Gareri coaches hundreds of aspiring players across different levels. From beginners holding the paddle for the first time to competitive athletes eyeing national recognition, his influence is steadily growing.
His vision is clear: Indian table tennis should not only produce champions but also versatile athletes who can adapt and innovate. He believes that the future of the sport lies not in rigid training but in flexible thinking.
In a country where cricket often dominates conversations, stories like Kamesh’s remind us that other sports are brimming with innovation, passion, and lessons for life. The journey of The Ambidextrous Coach is not just about table tennis — it is about resilience, creativity, and breaking the mold.
A New Chapter for Indian Table Tennis
Kamesh Gareri’s journey proves that uniqueness can be turned into strength, and strength into inspiration. His ambidexterity is more than just a rare skill — it is a beacon for Indian table tennis, showing that with the right mindset, players can go beyond limitations.
As his students continue to rise, carrying his philosophy on and off the table, one thing is certain — Kamesh is shaping not just better players but stronger individuals. In a sport defined by one hand, he has shown that the true power lies in both.