Kolkata: In the world of table tennis, most careers are defined by one hand — right or left. That choice shapes training, strategy, and technique. But Kamesh Gareri, fondly known as “The Ambidextrous Coach,” has redefined the game by mastering both, earning himself a unique place in India’s sporting history.
A Rare Talent Forged Through Mentorship
Kamesh’s extraordinary skill is no accident. His left-hand game blossomed under Vijay Sharathi, the former Indian team coach, who instilled in him finesse, sharpness, and technical precision. At the same time, his right-hand strokes were refined under the guidance of B.C. Bania, a stalwart of grassroots coaching, and Lam Nonglait, who emphasized fundamentals and consistency.
Together, these influences gave him the almost unheard-of ability to excel — and later teach — with both hands, making him a rare figure in world table tennis.
Seeing the Table from Two Perspectives
What sets Kamesh apart as a coach is not just his ambidexterity, but how it shapes his approach. Unlike most trainers who analyze rallies from a single viewpoint, he can see the game in two dimensions.
When left-handers falter, he offers precise corrections. When right-handers struggle, he demonstrates solutions from personal experience. For his students, it feels like training under two coaches at once, each bringing unique strategies and insights.
A Philosophy Beyond Sport
For Kamesh, ambidexterity has grown into more than a sporting skill — it has become a philosophy of life. He often tells his players:
“When one door closes, another always opens. If your strong hand fails, use the other. Life is not about one option, it is about choices.”
Through this mindset, his students learn resilience and adaptability — qualities that go far beyond the game itself.
Shaping the Next Generation
Today, Kamesh devotes his time to training hundreds of children and young adults. Parents who send their kids to his camps often note that he doesn’t just create players, he nurtures personalities. His coaching instills patience, discipline, and creativity — values that stay with his students long after they leave the table.
In a sporting culture that often values rigid focus, his flexible approach encourages exploration. His journey itself is living proof that versatility is strength.
A Unique Contribution to Indian Table Tennis
As India works to make a stronger mark on the global table tennis stage, the contributions of innovators like Kamesh Gareri are invaluable. His dual-handed expertise, fresh coaching methods, and ability to instill confidence give his students — and Indian table tennis — a rare edge.
Ambidexterity may be almost unheard of in the sport, but Kamesh has transformed it into a teaching philosophy that impacts generations of players.
Redefining Possibilities
The story of The Ambidextrous Coach is about more than skill — it’s about pushing boundaries. In a country where cricket often overshadows other sports, Kamesh’s journey is a reminder that passion and innovation thrive in disciplines like table tennis too.
For him, the bat in either hand is not just a tool for points — it is a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the belief that no path is ever one-way. Through his coaching, he inspires players to think beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.
