In 2019, Nitesh started Nitesh Badminton Academy in Virar with just 1.5 rented courts and a clear idea of what he wanted to build. He wanted to coach players seriously, help young talent progress and create opportunities for children who might otherwise struggle to access the sport.
The academy was built through years of experience, hard work and a willingness to start small. What began as a modest coaching setup has grown into a multi-centre badminton academy with a team of around 15 members across Maharashtra.
For Nitesh, the purpose of building an academy has always been closely tied to the people who train there: providing committed direction, disciplined training environments, and access for every aspiring child.
Multi-court facilities across Vashi, Vasai West, and Virar West.
Four foundational chapters that shaped Nitesh's coaching approach, discipline, and vision for player development.
Nitesh's story began in Chirgaon, Shimla district, near Rohru. At 21, he moved to Jalandhar, Punjab, spending years training before beginning outdoor coaching, discovering the responsibility of guiding players.
In 2016, he moved to Mumbai and joined Badminton Gurukul, working alongside Aparna Popat, nine-time consecutive senior national women's champion, gaining exposure to an established high-performance environment.
In 2019, he formally founded Nitesh Badminton Academy in Virar. Rather than waiting for a large facility, he began with just 1.5 rented courts, focusing on committed players and consistent drilling.
The academy expanded into a multi-centre operation with a ~15-member team. Alongside coaching, Nitesh won the Palghar district senior category title, pursuing personal athletic goals while building others.
At Nitesh Badminton Academy, training is intended to help players build their game step by step. Learning the fundamentals, developing reliable technique, improving movement and gaining experience on court are all part of the process.
Players need different kinds of guidance at different stages. Someone new to badminton needs a sound foundation, while a player preparing for competition needs to work on consistency, decision-making and the demands of competitive match play.
Nitesh's experience as both a player and a coach has shaped his approach to development. He understands the commitment required to improve and believes that players need an environment where they can train regularly, learn from mistakes and keep working on their weaknesses.
Progressive curriculum from beginner hand-eye coordination to junior national tournament podiums.
One of the most personal parts of Nitesh's journey has been his effort to help children who cannot easily afford to continue playing badminton.
He came to recognise that coaching alone is not always enough. Children who train regularly also need proper food, adequate rest and time to recover. Without these basics, sustaining a demanding training routine can become difficult.
After getting married, Nitesh had concerns about whether he could continue giving so much time to the children who depended on him. His wife's support helped him find a way forward.
"When they saw that some children needed more than access to a badminton court, they began welcoming children into their home and helping provide the care they needed. His wife gradually took on the work of preparing food for around 40 children."
It became a meaningful part of the academy's story. Their efforts helped address a practical need for children whose families could not easily provide everything required to support regular training.
This commitment remains an important part of what Nitesh wanted to build: an environment where financial limitations do not automatically put an end to a child's sporting ambitions.
The academy's development has also created opportunities for other people to work in badminton. Around 15 team members now contribute to its operations, helping serve players and families across its active centres.
The ambition is to keep improving the training environment, reach more aspiring badminton players and give young athletes the opportunity to work towards their goals on the state, national and international tournament stage. The next chapter belongs to the players who walk through the academy's doors.
Administrative HQ & High-Performance Hub
Sector 14, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
Founding Tournament Training Base
Old Viva College, Opp Kingston Tower, Virar West, Maharashtra 401305
Active Training & Development Centre
Station Road, Vasai West, Palghar, Maharashtra 401202
Looking for badminton coaching across our Vashi, Vasai West, and Virar West centres, or exploring training options for your child? Get in touch with Nitesh Badminton Academy to learn about our centres, coaching programmes and available training options.
