Mumbai (Special Correspondent): Gujarat’s table tennis player, coach, and sports administrator Rameez Sumra has been honoured with the Global Recognition Award 2026, marking a major milestone in his sporting and professional journey.
The award recognises his long-standing contribution to the sport, including excellence in coaching, leadership in player development, and impactful roles in international sports administration. Out of nearly 15,000 global applications received this year, only about 5.8% were selected, placing Sumra’s achievement among the most distinguished honours in the category.
From Local Club to International Stage
Sumra’s journey began at a small table tennis club in Gujarat, where he first picked up the racket at the age of six. Despite limited resources and challenging conditions, he steadily rose through the ranks, representing Gujarat at state, national, and international levels through years of discipline and persistence.
In 2025, he participated in an international championship held in Perth, Australia, where he further strengthened his presence on the global stage.
Coaching Excellence and Player Development
Beyond his career as an athlete, Sumra has built a strong reputation as a coach. After earning his ITTF Level-1 coaching certification in 2017, he has trained more than 250 players and worked closely with over 30 athletes on individual performance development.
Several of his trainees, including Usha Rathod and Jeet Pandya, have gone on to win medals in international competitions, bringing recognition to Indian table tennis.
His coaching philosophy is rooted in his own early struggles, focusing on athletes from small towns and resource-limited backgrounds. This approach has been widely appreciated for being practical, relatable, and performance-driven.
Contribution to Sports Administration
Sumra has also played key roles in sports management and international events. He has served as a team manager during the Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, worked as a volunteer during the 2016 Asia Cup, and acted as a supervisory official at the World Table Tennis Star Contender event in Goa.
These experiences have shaped him into a versatile figure in global table tennis administration.
International Recognition
Speaking about the award, a spokesperson for the Global Recognition Awards, Alex Sterling, described Sumra as “an inspiring example of how dedication can transform a local athlete into a global sports professional.”
A Source of Pride for India
Rameez Sumra’s achievement is being seen as a moment of pride for Gujarat and Indian sports as a whole. His journey highlights how determination, discipline, and passion can help athletes rise from modest beginnings to international acclaim.
