with Harendra Singh Dangi
DOB: 18th June 1996
State: Madhya Pradesh
City: Indore
Club: Shri Vaishnav Institute of Management/ Madhya Pradesh Pickleball Association
Harendra Singh Dangi was a young student when he first saw Pickleball in his college. Balwant Salunke, who happened to be the sports teacher in his college, came with an unknown sport and demonstrated it in front of the students. They were all sceptical about the unconventional sport with a very dubious name. But somehow, Harendra liked it instantly; more precisely it was love at first sight for him.
“When sir first showed the game, I got attracted to it. I found it quite interesting where I don’t have to stretch much but at the same time it was fairly engaging.”
Harendra started playing Pickleball in college from 2017. With sports being not so much important in his life, it was quite a turnaround for him.
“I started playing Pickleball regularly. I found that it was having positive effect on my health and fitness. Previously I played any game for fun, but after Pickleball happened, along with the fun quotient I took sports seriously.”
Gradually Harendra Dangi began to participate in state-level tournaments. After winning there, he graduated to national-level tournaments. As he started representing his state, he stepped outside his comfort level only to find a new zone of comfort.
“I found the circuit to be very interesting. I got to know many players, some of them who became good friends of mine. Pickleball has given me the opportunity to make a name for myself. It has also given me respect on and off the court.”
As Harendra’s life has changed through Pickleball, he wants to spread this message to the wider spectrum. While pursuing his MBA degree, he constantly takes his time out for various demonstration programmes of Pickleball.
“I have given more than 100 demos in various schools and colleges of Madhya Pradesh. I have found that people respond to the game very positively. So what we need is the constant follow-up of the process. We need to register more players so that the game grows.”
Currently Harendra Dangi is the head coach of Pickleball in RRCAT in Indore. He coaches around 50 junior players there. In the recently concluded Summer Camp in RRCAT, Harendra has been chosen as the Best Coach in Pickleball among all other different sports.
“I suggest other players to give their best in whatever they do. If they are playing Pickleball, then they have to be focussed and work hard. Success doesn’t come easily. They have to face hurdles; hence they should never give up.”
Major Achievement
- Bronze Medal at Senior National Pickleball Championship, 2018
- Gold Medal at 1st MP Open Tournament, 2018
- Pickleball Coach at RRCAT, Indore
- Conducted demos at St Joseph School-Bhopal, Emerald High School-Indore, Vidya Sagar College-Indore, RRCAT-Indore, SVIM-Indore and many more
