Kolkata: In the world of table tennis, most careers are defined by a single hand. Right-handed or left-handed — that choice shapes the training, tactics, and style of nearly every player. But Kamesh Gareri, affectionately called “The Ambidextrous Coach”, has broken that mold by mastering both hands, giving him an extraordinary place in the story of Indian sports.
A Rare Talent Forged Through Guidance
Kamesh’s ability to use both hands at a competitive level is not a coincidence. It is the result of years of learning under mentors who shaped different sides of his game. His left-hand expertise came under the mentorship of Vijay Sharathi, a former coach of the Indian team, who emphasized finesse, mental sharpness, and technical precision. Those years built the artistry and discipline that now flow through his left-hand strokes.
Meanwhile, his right hand was molded by B.C. Bania, a coach deeply respected for decades of service to grassroots table tennis, and Lam Nonglait, who helped him polish his base technique. Through them, Kamesh absorbed patience, consistency, and the importance of building strength through repetition.
Together, these experiences gave him something almost unheard of in the sport — the power to perform, and later to teach, from both sides of the table with equal skill.
Seeing the Table in Two Dimensions
This ambidextrous background has transformed the way Kamesh approaches coaching. Unlike most trainers who analyze rallies from a single perspective, he sees the game from both. When a left-hander struggles, he knows exactly what adjustments can bring improvement. When a right-hander feels stuck, he can demonstrate alternative solutions from lived experience.
For his students, this is more than a technical advantage. It feels like training under two different coaches at once, each one bringing its own set of strategies and solutions. That ability to shift perspective gives his players confidence to face any kind of opponent.
Philosophy Beyond the Paddle
Over time, Kamesh’s ambidexterity became more than a sporting skill. It evolved into a life lesson he now shares with the young athletes under his care. His teaching goes beyond strokes and serves. He tells them, “When one door closes, another always opens. If your strong hand fails, learn to use the other. Life is not about one option, it is about choices.”
Through these words, he turns the game into a school of resilience. His players learn that adaptability is not just a tool for winning matches — it is a mindset that can help them deal with challenges in every aspect of their lives.
Guiding the Next Generation
Today, Kamesh spends his time shaping hundreds of children and young adults into balanced, confident players. Parents who send their children to his camps often remark that he doesn’t simply create athletes; he molds personalities. His sessions encourage discipline, patience, and creativity, qualities that stay with the players long after they leave the table.
In a sporting culture where single-minded focus is often demanded, his approach brings fresh air. He encourages exploration, reminding students that flexibility is not weakness but strength. His own journey stands as proof.
A Unique Contribution to Indian Table Tennis
As Indian table tennis strives to make a larger mark on the global stage, the contributions of coaches like Kamesh Gareri become crucial. His ability to think differently, to innovate with technique, and to instill courage in young players gives the sport a valuable edge.
Ambidexterity is rare in any discipline, but in table tennis it is almost unheard of. By turning this gift into a method of teaching, Kamesh has ensured that his impact goes beyond personal achievement — it extends to every player who carries his lessons forward.
Redefining Possibilities
The story of The Ambidextrous Coach is not only about mastering a skill but also about challenging limits. In a country where cricket often overshadows other sports, his work is a reminder that talent, innovation, and dedication are also flourishing in disciplines like table tennis.
For Kamesh Gareri, the bat in his right hand and the bat in his left hand are not just tools for scoring points. They are symbols of adaptability, resilience, and the belief that no path is ever one-way. And through his coaching, he is inspiring a generation to think beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.
