Kolkata: In the world of table tennis, most careers are built on the mastery of a single hand — right or left. That choice defines playing style, tactics, and training. But Kamesh Gareri, known fondly as “The Ambidextrous Coach,” has defied convention by mastering both hands, carving out a truly unique place in Indian sports.
A Rare Talent Forged by Mentorship
Kamesh’s extraordinary skill didn’t happen by chance. His left-hand game was shaped under the mentorship of Vijay Sharathi, a former Indian team coach, who taught him finesse, mental sharpness, and technical precision. Those lessons built the artistry that shines in his left-hand strokes.
On the other side, his right hand was molded by B.C. Bania, a stalwart of grassroots table tennis, and Lam Nonglait, who helped refine his base techniques. From them, Kamesh learned patience, consistency, and the strength that comes only through repetition.
Together, these influences gifted him something nearly unheard of in table tennis — the ability to play and later coach with equal command from both sides of the table.
Seeing the Game in Two Dimensions
This dual mastery has transformed his approach to coaching. Unlike most trainers, who view rallies from a single perspective, Kamesh sees the game in two dimensions.
For left-handers, he understands their struggles and provides precise adjustments. For right-handers, he offers solutions rooted in his own playing experience. His students describe the feeling as if they are being guided by two different coaches at once — each offering unique strategies.
This adaptability gives his players not just technical skills but also the confidence to face any opponent.
A Philosophy Beyond Sport
Kamesh’s ambidexterity has grown into a philosophy he shares with his students. He often tells them:
“When one door closes, another opens. If your strong hand fails, learn to use the other. Life is not about one option, it is about choices.”
Through this wisdom, he transforms table tennis into a school of resilience. His players learn that adaptability is not just for matches — it’s a mindset for overcoming challenges in life.
Guiding the Next Generation
Today, Kamesh dedicates his energy to shaping hundreds of young athletes. Parents often remark that he doesn’t just produce skilled table tennis players; he nurtures disciplined, creative, and balanced individuals.
In a sporting culture where single-minded focus is often expected, his teaching encourages exploration. He reminds students that flexibility is strength, not weakness — and his own journey proves it.
A Unique Contribution to Indian Table Tennis
As Indian table tennis pushes to achieve greater global recognition, coaches like Kamesh Gareri play a vital role. His innovation, perspective, and ability to inspire courage among young players give the sport a rare edge.
Ambidexterity is almost unheard of in table tennis, yet Kamesh has turned this rare skill into a coaching philosophy that benefits every student who trains under him.
Redefining Possibilities
The story of “The Ambidextrous Coach” is not just about sporting excellence — it is about breaking boundaries. In a country where cricket dominates the sporting landscape, Kamesh’s journey proves that innovation and dedication thrive in other disciplines too.
For him, the bat in each hand is more than just a tool for scoring points. It is a symbol of adaptability, resilience, and the belief that no path is one-way. Through his work, he is inspiring a generation of players to go beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.
