From a Corporate Setback to a Sporting Vision
Kunal Dere’s journey is rooted in resilience, reinvention and a lifelong connection with sports. After more than 20 years in the corporate sector, his career came to an unexpected halt during the COVID-19 pandemic when he lost his job. With no business background or ready-made roadmap, he faced a challenging period of uncertainty.
Instead of allowing the setback to define his future, Kunal returned to his first love—sports. He was a State-Level Table Tennis player at the age of 10 and was also recognised as a “Certified Student of the Year” during his school years. The discipline, determination, performance and leadership developed through sport later became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey.
In 2021, he established Kunal Dere Sports Academy, initially beginning with Table Tennis coaching. The initiative gradually expanded into a multi-sport academy offering professional coaching in Table Tennis, Badminton, Cricket, Football and other sports. Today, KDSA has a team of 25+ trainers and has trained more than 1,000 students across Mumbai.
Professional Sports Training in Mumbai
Kunal Dere Sports Academy provides experienced and qualified trainers across multiple sports, with personalised coaching and structured training designed for athletes of different ages and skill levels. Its programs cover Society Sports Training, Personal Coaching, School Sports Training Programs, Professional Sports Coaching, Multi-Sport Training, Fitness and Zumba Programs, Sports Tournaments and Corporate Sports Events.
More Than Winning Medals
At KDSA, sports are viewed as more than competition. The academy places strong emphasis on discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership and character. Its goal is to create an environment where students can learn, compete, grow and enjoy the journey of becoming better athletes and better individuals.
This philosophy is reflected in Kunal Dere’s leadership approach. He believes in leading by example, creating opportunities for others and building a team where every athlete and coach feels valued, motivated and supported. Integrity, fairness, discipline, long-term development and the best interests of athletes guide the academy’s decisions.
A Mission Focused on Opportunity Kunal believes that sports can transform lives. His mission extends beyond building a successful sports business to creating opportunities for children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, to discover their potential, develop confidence and pursue professional careers in sport.
The academy’s guiding belief is simple: every child deserves a chance to shine, regardless of their background.
Recognition for Sports Excellence
Kunal Dere Sports Academy has listed several recognitions for 2026, including:
Best School Sports Excellence Award – 2026
Excellence in Table Tennis Coaching – 2026
Maharashtra UDYOG RATNA Puraskar – 2026
Best Sports Academy of the Year – 2026
Vision 2030: Taking Sports Training Across India
Kunal Dere Sports Academy has set an ambitious Vision 2030: to train 100,000+ students, build a team of 100+ passionate trainers, expand operations across India, become one of India’s leading sports academies and create a strong pathway for underprivileged children to pursue professional careers in sports.
The Journey Continues
From losing a corporate job during a global pandemic to building a growing sports academy, Kunal Dere’s journey demonstrates how a major setback can become the beginning of something meaningful. What started with Table Tennis coaching in 2021 has developed into a multi-sport initiative that has already touched the lives of more than 1,000 students.
With its focus on professional sports coaching, youth development, multi-sport training and wider accessibility, Kunal Dere Sports Academy is working toward building not only better athletes, but also more disciplined, confident and resilient individuals.
Academy Details
Kunal Dere Sports Academy
Registered & Corporate Office: No. 2, B Wing, Darshan Heights, Zowbawadi, Thakurdwar, Charni Road, Mumbai – 400 002
Contact: 79771 44835
Email: info@kunalderesportsacademy.com
Website: www.kunalderesportsacademy.com
