Kolkata: In table tennis, most careers are shaped by a single hand — right or left. Training, strategy, and style all follow that one choice. But Kamesh Gareri, fondly called “The Ambidextrous Coach”, stands apart. By mastering both hands, he has carved an extraordinary place in the history of Indian sports.
A Rare Talent Forged Through Guidance
Kamesh’s ambidexterity is no accident. It grew out of years of mentorship that developed different aspects of his game.
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Left-hand mastery: Under Vijay Sharathi, former coach of the Indian team, he learned finesse, discipline, and technical sharpness.
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Right-hand development: With guidance from B.C. Bania, a grassroots legend, and Lam Nonglait, he honed patience, strength, and consistency.
This unique blend of influences gave Kamesh a near-unheard-of gift in table tennis — the power to play, and later to teach, equally well with both hands.
Seeing the Table in Two Dimensions
Ambidexterity transformed not just Kamesh’s play but his coaching. Most trainers analyze rallies from one perspective; Kamesh sees them from both.
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For left-handed players, he knows exactly where adjustments work.
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For right-handed players, he offers alternative solutions from lived experience.
For students, it feels like training under two coaches at once — a rare advantage that builds confidence against any opponent.
Philosophy Beyond the Paddle
Over time, Kamesh’s dual-handed ability became more than a sporting skill — it became a philosophy. He often tells his students:
“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.”
In his camp, table tennis becomes a school of resilience. Players learn adaptability not just for matches, but for life.
Guiding the Next Generation
Today, Kamesh dedicates his time to nurturing hundreds of young players. Parents say he doesn’t just produce athletes; he shapes personalities. His sessions emphasize discipline, patience, and creativity — values that stay with players beyond the sport.
In a culture that often demands single-minded focus, his approach is refreshing. He shows that flexibility is not weakness but strength — a lesson drawn from his own journey.
A Unique Contribution to Indian Table Tennis
As Indian table tennis seeks global recognition, coaches like Kamesh Gareri play a vital role. His innovative methods and ability to instill courage in young athletes give the sport an edge.
Ambidexterity is almost unheard of in table tennis. By turning his rare skill into a teaching method, Kamesh ensures that his influence extends far beyond personal achievement.
Redefining Possibilities
The story of The Ambidextrous Coach is not just about skill, but about challenging limits. In a cricket-dominated nation, his work is proof that dedication and innovation thrive in other sports too.
For Kamesh Gareri, the bats in his right and left hands are more than tools for scoring points. They symbolize adaptability, resilience, and the belief that no path is ever one-way. Through his coaching, he inspires a generation to embrace the extraordinary.
