Dr. Sanjay Kumar
Dr. Sanjay Kumar 
| |
|---|---|
 Sports Coach, Social Worker & Nation Builder | |
| Born | 26 July 1972 |
| Birth Place | Kasba Lavar, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Father | Shri Munshilal |
| Mother | Smt. Saroj Devi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Sports Coach, Social Worker, Para Athletics Coach, Mallakhamb Trainer |
| Known for | 5000+ Children Trained, 500+ National Players, Mallakhamb Revival North India, Para Athletics 48 Medals, Divyang Empowerment, Appreciation by President of India (1991) |
| Qualifications | B.P.Ed (Nagpur University, 1998), M.P.Ed (Nagpur University, 2000), Honorary Doctorate |
| Experience | 30+ Years |
Dr. Sanjay Kumar is an Indian sports coach, social worker and nation builder based in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Born on 26 July 1972, he is one of North India's most impactful sports mentors — a man who rose from extreme poverty and personal hardship to dedicate over 30 years of his life to transforming the lives of underprivileged children, disabled youth and marginalised communities through sports, discipline and compassion. He has trained more than 5,000 children, produced 500+ national-level players, revived Mallakhamb across Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, trained 200+ para athletes and helped 100+ youth from needy backgrounds secure government jobs. His extraordinary journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport — and to one man's unwavering belief that no child should lose their future due to poverty, caste or lack of opportunity.
Early Life and Background
Dr. Sanjay Kumar was born on 26 July 1972 in Kasba Lavar, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, to Shri Munshilal and Smt. Saroj Devi. His early life was marked by extraordinary hardship — he changed schools multiple times, had to abandon his studies for four years, and supported himself by working as a mechanic and at tea stalls and canteens. Despite these challenges, his passion for sports and his commitment to service never wavered.
At the age of 12, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — an experience that shaped his values of discipline, service and national commitment. He pursued his education while working — studying during the day and working in the evenings — demonstrating the remarkable resilience that would define his entire life and career.
Education and Qualifications
- Diploma in Advanced Sports Coaching — NSNIS (1994)
- Athletics Coach Certification (1996)
- National Referee Certification (1997)
- Sports Administration Course — SAI (1999)
- B.P.Ed — Nagpur University (1998)
- M.P.Ed — Nagpur University (2000)
- Honorary Doctorate — In Sports
Career and Coaching Journey
Early Coaching — Nagpur (1996–2000)
Dr. Sanjay Kumar began his coaching career in Nagpur, where he provided free volleyball coaching in government schools from 1996 to 2000 — covering 5 schools and guiding their teams to victories in inter-school and zonal competitions. During this period, he also guided poor children in Nagpur through sports education, simultaneously pursuing his own education and certifications.
Post-2000 — Professional Coaching Career
After completing his M.P.Ed in 2000, Dr. Sanjay Kumar moved into professional sports coaching — working with private institutions and training under senior baseball coach Anu Mulchandani. He went on to produce 500+ national-level players and prepare 5,000+ players for national competitions across multiple sports. His coaching philosophy is rooted in discipline, dedication and a genuine belief in the potential of every child — regardless of their background.
Baseball Development
Dr. Sanjay Kumar made a significant contribution to baseball development in India — producing 500–600 national players, guiding teams to National School Games participation and leading teams to victory in the Central Zone Championship.
He trained under and alongside senior baseball professionals, and his contribution to grassroots baseball development — particularly among underprivileged children — has been widely recognised.
Ball Badminton
Dr. Sanjay Kumar introduced Ball Badminton in North India — developing 150+ players and conducting teacher training sessions to spread awareness and skills in this indigenous sport.
Mallakhamb Revival
Since 2010, Dr. Sanjay Kumar has been one of the leading forces in the revival of Mallakhamb across North India. He has:
- Trained 200+ Mallakhamb athletes
- Established Mallakhamb centres in Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
- Served as National Referee and Judge (Grade II)
- Officiated at the Haryana State Mallakhamb Championship
His work has been instrumental in bringing this traditional Indian sport back to prominence — particularly among young people from underprivileged communities.
Divyang (Para Athletes) Empowerment
Dr. Sanjay Kumar's work with disabled athletes is one of the most remarkable dimensions of his career:
- Trained 100+ wheelchair basketball players
- Trained 200+ para athletes
- Guided 50+ athletes to state and national para competitions
- Focus on building confidence, independence and dignity through sport
At Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, his para athletics programme produced extraordinary results:
- Total Medals: 48 (Gold: 21, Silver: 13, Bronze: 14)
- Individual highlights: Prashant (3 Gold), Krishna Samaniya (3 Gold), Balwant (3 Gold), Saraswati (Gold + Silver + Bronze)
Multi-Sport Coaching
Dr. Sanjay Kumar has coached across a remarkable range of sports:
- Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Athletics
- Cricket, Rugby
- Target Ball, Rocket Ball, Drop-Roll Ball
- Baseball, Ball Badminton, Mallakhamb
- Para Athletics and Wheelchair Basketball
Through his multi-sport coaching, 2,000+ students have reached national-level competitions.
Social Work
Free Coaching and Nutrition
Dr. Sanjay Kumar has provided free coaching to underprivileged students throughout his career. He also established a low-cost nutrition mess at ₹150 per day to ensure that poor student-athletes had access to adequate nutrition — addressing one of the most overlooked barriers to athletic development.
Drug Rehabilitation Through Sports
Dr. Sanjay Kumar has actively worked to rehabilitate drug-affected youth through sports — reforming 150+ drug-addicted youth by channelling their energy into athletics, discipline and structured training. This initiative has transformed lives and given young people a second chance at a purposeful future.
Government Jobs Through Sports
Through sports coaching and mentorship, Dr. Sanjay Kumar has helped 100+ needy students secure government jobs — including positions in the Army, Police and teaching — through sports quota and merit. This direct economic impact on vulnerable families is one of his most tangible and meaningful contributions to society.
Women and Girls Empowerment
Dr. Sanjay Kumar has consistently promoted the participation of girls in sports — breaking social barriers and creating equal opportunities for young women from underprivileged backgrounds to compete at state and national levels.
Dalit and Backward Community Upliftment
A significant part of Dr. Sanjay Kumar's social mission has been the upliftment of Dalit and backward communities through sports — providing equal access, equal opportunity and equal recognition to children from all backgrounds.
As a Player
Dr. Sanjay Kumar was also an accomplished sportsman in his own right:
- Represented Nagpur University in Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Athletics
- Won 8 km cross-country races
- Competed as a 200m runner
- Achieved 2nd position at the 22nd National Baseball Championship, Delhi
Sports Injury Prevention
Dr. Sanjay Kumar developed a comprehensive approach to sports injury prevention — training students in warm-up and cool-down protocols, muscle pull and sprain treatment, stiffness management and safe training practices. This system has significantly reduced injury rates among the athletes he coaches.
Positions Held
- General Secretary — State Rocket Ball Association, Delhi
- Joint Secretary — Rocket Ball Association of India
- Joint Secretary — Kreeda Bharati, Delhi
- Toli Pramukh — Mallakhamb
- Divyang Pramukh — Para Sports
- Joint Secretary Nominee — Drop Roball Federation (2021–2024)
- National Referee and Judge (Grade II) — Mallakhamb
Awards and Recognition
- Honorary Doctorate in Sports
- Appreciation by the President of India (1991) — For outstanding contribution to sports
- National-level recognition for sports coaching and social work
- Media coverage in print media, news articles and national-level recognition events
Vision and Mission
Dr. Sanjay Kumar's mission is simple and profound:
Koi bhi bachcha garibi, caste ya opportunity ki kami ki wajah se apna future na khoe.
(No child should lose their future due to poverty, caste or lack of opportunity.)
His vision is to continue building a sports ecosystem in North India that is inclusive, accessible and empowering — where every child, regardless of background, disability or economic status, can discover their potential through sport and build a life of dignity, purpose and achievement.