Meet The Founder
Abhiney Kumar
Founder · Sports Life Tennis Academy
Abhiney Kumar
Founder , Sports Life Tennis Academy
From a childhood passion for tennis to building a player-first academy focused on long-term athlete development.
“I believe tennis can change lives because it changed mine. My journey began because a cricket academy said ‘No.’ That unexpected rejection led me to the sport that would eventually become my profession, my passion, and the foundation of Sports Life. Today, my purpose is simple: To make sure that every player who walks into Sports Life finds the opportunity, guidance, and support they need to build their own journey — regardless of where they start.”
The Journey
Every Journey Begins With a Single Moment
For me, that moment came when I was just four or five years old. My father was a huge cricket fan and naturally wanted me to become a cricketer. I was excited about cricket too, so one day he took me to a cricket academy to enrol me. The coaches told him I was too young to join.
As we were leaving, we noticed a group of players practising on the nearby tennis courts. My father became curious about the sport and spoke to one of the tennis coaches. The coach welcomed me and said I could start learning tennis immediately. That unexpected conversation changed my life. What began as an alternative to cricket soon became my greatest passion.
The First Serve
16 Years On The Court
Over the next 16 years, tennis became much more than a sport. It became my teacher, my discipline, and my way of life. I competed professionally, participated in AITA tournaments, represented my college in numerous competitions, and experienced the victories, defeats, pressure, and uncertainty that come with competitive tennis.
Every match taught me something. Winning taught me confidence. Losing taught me humility. Competition taught me how to deal with pressure, setbacks, and expectations. These experiences later became an important part of how I understood player development.
In 2016, I travelled to Vilas Tennis Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where I experienced an international tennis training environment for the first time.
CS-7 Tournament Winner
A Turning Point
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the direction of my playing career. My family faced serious financial difficulties, and continuing professional tennis was no longer financially possible. Stepping away from the sport I loved was one of the hardest decisions I had to make.
For more than two years, my focus shifted towards supporting my family and rebuilding our financial stability. Those years taught me resilience, responsibility, patience, and the importance of continuing to move forward when circumstances are difficult.
“Adversity on and off the court builds the mental stamina required to mentor athletes through their own toughest setbacks.”
Global Tennis Team — Jofre Porta Academy
Learning Beyond India
In 2023, tennis gave me another opportunity. I had the opportunity to work in Jofre Porta Academy in Mallorca, Spain. Working within his coaching environment became one of the most valuable learning experiences of my career. I gained deeper exposure to player development, technical and tactical coaching, tournament planning, long-term development, and the systems required to develop players consistently over time.
I later continued my learning journey at the J.C. Ferrero Tennis Academy in Villena, Spain.
During my time in Spain, I also met Indian players and parents who were training and competing internationally. Their experiences made me realise that many challenges faced by Indian tennis players go far beyond coaching. Tournament planning, match exposure, travel, accommodation, access to quality facilities, financial constraints, and long-term guidance can all have a significant impact on a player's journey. Those conversations changed the way I looked at tennis.
From Player To Coach
After returning to India, I had the opportunity to work with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the Khelo India Talent Search and Development Program, where I contributed to the development of the induction protocol for tennis players entering the Khelo India Scheme.
This experience gave me a broader perspective on player development and strengthened a belief that had been developing throughout my journey: Indian tennis needs strong systems alongside talented players. Players need more than coaching. They need the right environment, regular competition, structured development, guidance, opportunities, and people who understand the journey they are trying to build.
Working With Sports Authority of India
Roshanara Club Tennis Courts
Why Sports Life Exists
That belief eventually led to the creation of Sports Life Tennis Academy. Sports Life began its journey in 2024 at DDA Roshanara Club with a simple vision — to create more than just a place where players learn tennis. We wanted to build an environment where players could develop as complete athletes and individuals.
Today, more than 300 players train with Sports Life every month, supported by a growing team of professional coaches committed to structured, player-first development. Sports Life has continued to grow across Delhi, with centres at Roshanara Club, Major Dhyan Chand Sports Complex, and Punjabi Bagh Club.
The Sports Life Philosophy
I believe every player has a different starting point, different goals, and a different pathway.
For one player, success may mean learning the fundamentals. For another, it may mean competing at national tournaments. For someone else, it may mean preparing for university admissions, pursuing international opportunities, or building a career within tennis.
The pathway is different for everyone. Our responsibility is to understand that journey and help build the right pathway. That is what player-first development means to me.
Player-First Mentorship on Court
Looking Ahead
Sports Life is expanding beyond traditional court coaching. Our vision is to empower athletes with an all-inclusive tennis ecosystem:
Structured Development
Long-term progression models tailored to each age and capability.
Competitive Match Play
Weekly internal league matches and simulation under pressure.
Tournament Support
Strategic planning, ranking guidance, and on-tour mentorship.
Athletic Conditioning
Tennis-specific fitness, agility, speed, and injury prevention.
Educational Guidance
Balancing school, academic milestones, and athletic training.
Career Pathways
Guiding players toward college tennis scholarships and coaching.
Ecosystem Connect
Access to international academies, certified scouts, and mentors.
Character & Discipline
Building sportsmanship, mental grit, and lifelong positive habits.
Qualifications & Certifications
Official credentials and international training certifications earned across premier tennis institutions.
Diploma — J.C. Ferrero Tennis Academy
J.C. Ferrero Tennis Academy (Equelite), Spain — High performance player development and technical coaching.
NIS Certified Coach
National Institute of Sports qualification in sports coaching and physical conditioning.
PTR Certified Coach
Professional Tennis Registry international coach certification and modern stroke development.
AITA / ITF Certified Coach
All India Tennis Association & International Tennis Federation professional credentials.
Learning From the World of Tennis
Global exposure gained across world-renowned European academies.
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