Meet the Team
President
Avinash Dharmadhikari
From Upholding Law to Championing Badminton: The Multifaceted Journey of ACP Avinash Dharmadhikari (Rtd.)
ACP Avinash Dharmadhikari (Rtd.), President of BAMU, has an illustrious career in law enforcement, with 35 years in the Police Department. His relentless drive against underworld gangsters, recognized with a 'DG Insignia' award, showcased his dedication to justice. Now, steering BAMU, he channels his leadership skills towards nurturing badminton talents in the Mumbai Suburban District. His journey from combating crime to promoting sports exemplifies his versatile service spirit. Through BAMU, he aims to create a thriving badminton ecosystem, ensuring the sport's growth and players' holistic development. His vision encapsulates promoting sportsmanship, training, and excellence, fostering a brighter future for badminton in the region.
Secretory
Sameer Patankar
From Football Fields to Badminton Courts
Meet Sameer Shashikant Patankar, a versatile sports enthusiast whose journey from being a senior division football player to a respected badminton coach exemplifies his passion for athletics. With a solid educational background, holding a Diploma in Industrial Electronics (DIE), Sameer has skillfully transitioned into the realm of badminton.
His expertise is not just confined to coaching but extends to the administrative side of the sport, being a certified state-level umpire affiliated with the Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA). His diverse experience in sports, coupled with his technical knowledge, makes him an invaluable asset to the badminton community and a role model for aspiring athletes.
Treasurer
George Varghese
"Turning Full Circle: From Boardroom to Badminton Courts"
At the tender age of 18, George Varghese embraced the corporate realm in a multinational company, putting aside his sports aspirations to support his family. His business acumen flourished at 40 when he ventured into entrepreneurship, creating successful enterprises. The age of 60 marked a significant turn, as George retired from business to revisit his love for badminton, reflecting a lifelong commitment to sports.
His endeavor now extends beyond personal passion, as he aids economically disadvantaged children in pursuing sports careers. Joining BAMU, George channels his resources and experience towards promoting sports, ensuring budding athletes don't compromise their dreams due to financial constraints. His journey from corporate corridors to badminton courts exemplifies a full circle, embodying BAMU's vision of fostering sportsmanship and community support.
Jt. Secretory
Ravi Doshi
Steering Badminton and Community Initiatives with Precision.
An adept organizer, shines as Badminton Convenor at Jolly Gymkhana Club and Joint Secretary of BAMU. His commerce roots bolster his administrative prowess, enabling seamless management of numerous badminton tournaments. His corporate exposure inspires digitalization, refining club processes. Under his watch, the Jolly Gymkhana Inter School tournament rose in popularity and became a hallmark event, embodying the competitive spirit and camaraderie among budding shuttlers. At the Rotary Club of Ghatkopar, Ravi, as the Director of Sports, orchestrated diverse tournaments, encouraging youth participation. His extensive network within badminton circles amplifies BAMU's vision of fostering badminton excellence in the Mumbai Suburban District, making Ravi a valued member of our core team.
Member
Santosh Kelkar
A Resolute Trail of Excellence in Finance and Community Service
Shri Santosh Vasant Kelkar, a seasoned Chartered Accountant, blends financial expertise with community service. His 12-year tenure as a Director at Janakalyan Sahakari Bank Ltd, recently ascending as Chairman, underscores his trusted leadership. Santosh's active political engagement during college and with Bhartiya Janata Party, plus his trustee roles in charitable entities like Ravindra Joshi Memorial Trust at Andheri, display his societal commitment. Now at BAMU, his financial acumen and community-oriented approach significantly contribute to our mission of nurturing badminton talents, embodying a blend of professional excellence and social responsibility.
Member
Bhargav Joshi
Crafting Badminton Maestros with Passion
From the tender age of 8, Bhargav Joshi's journey in badminton began at Kalidas Sports Complex under Shri Shrikant Vad's guidance. His initial curiosity transformed into passion, leading him to the coaching realm after an injury. With an "A" grade certification from the Sports Authority of India, he has nurtured talents like Prajakta Sawant and Aadya Variyath. Notably, his daughter Hazel Joshi shines as Maharashtra's number 4. Bhargav's 22-year coaching legacy continues with BAMU, aspiring to foster champions akin to Sindhu and Saina from our district.
Member
Sachin Gunjal
Redefine Vile Parle - Architecting Dreams in Construction
The owner of Atharva Group, Sachin Gunjal has carved a distinct identity in the construction industry. Originating from a humble background with no prior experience in construction, his indomitable spirit has established him as a successful entrepreneur today. A name synonymous with trust and quality in Vile Parle, Sachin ensures every customer is rewarded with a beautiful and captivating home swiftly. His word is a promise to clients, a reflection of integrity. Beyond business, his journey inspires budding entrepreneurs, proving that with determination and effective leadership, carving a niche in a competitive field is achievable. Now, as a part of BAMU, his insights are invaluable in building a robust foundation for promoting badminton in Mumbai Suburban District.
Member
Arvind Prabhu
A Dynamic Force in Sports and Community Development
Arvind Prabhu, a dynamic multi-sport administrator with over 25 years of experience, exemplifies hard work, sincerity, and loyalty as keystones for success. His positive leadership and excellent team-building skills have significantly contributed to various sports, especially in grassroots development. As the 2022 Chairman of the All India Pickleball Association, he successfully organized the Bainbridge Pickleball World Cup, attracting 450 participants from 12 countries. Arvind's instrumental role in promoting Pickleball in India, especially in rural areas, and his achievements in international events, highlight his commitment to sports development. His involvement in various roles, including President of the Mumbai Upnagar Mallakhamb Association and the Suburban Table Tennis Association, underlines his diverse sports administration capabilities. His dedication to the betterment of sports in India is a testament to his passion and commitment.
Member
Shriniwas Nadgauda
Shrinivas Nadgauda: Embarking on New Ventures with a Wealth of Experience
Shrinivas Nadgauda's journey, from mastering analytical chemistry to becoming an Intelligence Officer at the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), showcases his adaptability and thirst for knowledge. His 14-year tenure at DRI, laden with commendations and a prestigious President's Award, reflects his exemplary public service. Transitioning to the corporate sector post-retirement, Shrinivas now thrives as a Director of a leading real estate company. At BAMU, his diverse expertise and unique perspective are invaluable in our pursuit to foster budding badminton talents, embodying our ethos of encouraging continual growth and excellence in every endeavor.
Member
Vinod Mehta
A Pillar of Strength for BAMU and the Community
Vinod Mehta, a luminary in community leadership and philanthropy, serves as the Trustee and Honorary Secretary of The Andheri Recreation Club & ARC Charitable Trust. His involvement in community upliftment is extensive, including his roles as Secretary of Andheri Vyapari Sangh and Joint Secretary of Rajasthani Jain Parishad. A life member of The Andheri Recreation Club and District Club of Pali, he also engages actively with the Royal Western India Turf Club in Mumbai and Pune. Vinod's dedication extends to healthcare and education, manifesting in his work with BSES MG Hospital and as an advisor to Shree Sai Ganesh Pathpedhi. His association with BAMU is marked by his invaluable contributions, leveraging his vast network and experience to foster growth and development within the organization and its community initiatives.
Member
Ajit Pendse
Financial Wizard and Sports Patron of BAMU.
Ajit Gajanan Pendse, a distinguished figure with a rich blend of professional acumen and social commitment, is a key contributor to BAMU.
He holds an impressive array of qualifications: BCom, FCA, Grad CWA, and MA in History. As a partner in MAY and Co, Chartered Accountants, his financial expertise is invaluable.
His love for sports aligns seamlessly with his role at BAMU, where he applies his financial and strategic insights to promote and support sports initiatives.
Additionally, Ajit's involvement in social organizations, particularly in Northeast Bharat, reflects his dedication to societal well-being, making him a dynamic and inspirational member of the BAMU team