Shri Rajesh Kumar Pandey
Shri Rajesh Kumar Pandey
Shri Rajesh Kumar Pandey is the founding head coach and driving force behind Shyama Handball Academy. With over 18 years of dedicated service to handball development in Uttar Pradesh, Coach Pandey has built a training methodology that seamlessly blends classical Indian coaching values with modern sport science principles. A former national-level player himself, he brings first-hand competitive experience to every session, understanding precisely what it takes to perform under pressure. His vision of accessible, world-class handball training for every child — regardless of background — is the very soul of this academy.
Rahul is an exceptional leader and defensive specialist who has captained the state team.
A decorated former national handball player, Shri Suresh Kumar conducts intensive masterclasses for advanced and tournament-track athletes quarterly. His sessions on elite mental preparation and national-level match simulation are among the most valued at the academy.
Dr. Neha Varma visits the academy monthly to conduct sports psychology workshops for both athletes and coaches. Her evidence-based interventions in performance anxiety management, focus training, and post-competition recovery have measurably improved team results.
As the Technical Director of U.P. Handball Association, Shri Mahesh Keshari provides strategic coaching clinics aligned with national federation standards. His guidance ensures our training methodology remains current with national and international handball evolution.
Dr. Ranjit Das oversees the medical welfare of all academy athletes through bi-monthly health screenings, injury diagnosis, and rehabilitation planning. His proactive sports medicine approach has significantly reduced training-related injuries across all programs.
SAI Level-3 Coaching Certificate
The highest national coaching qualification issued by the Sports Authority of India — held by Head Coach Rajesh Kumar Pandey, recognizing elite-level coaching competence.
SAI Level-2 Coaching Certificate
Intermediate coaching certification held by Assistant Coaches Arun Mishra and Priya Srivastava, validating professional-level handball coaching standards.
NSCA – CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist)
International certification in strength and conditioning science held by Coach Vikas Tiwari, ensuring our fitness programs meet global performance standards.
U.P. Handball Association – Affiliation Certificate
Shyama Handball Academy is officially affiliated with the Uttar Pradesh Handball Association, enabling athletes to compete in all state-recognised tournaments and leagues.
Sports First Aid & Emergency Response Certification
All full-time coaching staff hold current Sports First Aid certification, ensuring a medically prepared environment for every training session and competition.
Youth Athlete Development Program (YADP) Certification
Specialized certification in age-appropriate coaching methods for youth sports development, ensuring our beginner and school programs are built on sound developmental principles.
State U-19 Championship — Team Gold 🥇
The Boys U-19 team coached by Head Coach Pandey and Asst. Coach Arun Mishra clinched the state gold medal at the Uttar Pradesh U-19 Handball Championship, defeating the defending champion team in the final.
State Level · U-19 Boys4 Athletes Selected for National Camp
Four athletes trained at Shyama Handball Academy were selected for the U.P. state squad that attended the National Sports Development Camp — the highest number from any single academy in the region.
National LevelGirls Team — Back-to-Back State Champions
Under Coach Priya Srivastava's guidance, the Girls Team won consecutive U.P. State Championships in 2021 and 2022, establishing the academy as the top girls' handball institution in the Varanasi division.
State Level · Girls TeamBest Coach Award — U.P. Handball Association
Head Coach Rajesh Kumar Pandey received the Best Coach of the Year Award from the Uttar Pradesh Handball Association for his outstanding contribution to grassroots handball development in the state.
Individual AwardSchool Integration Program Launched
Coach Pandey pioneered the School Handball Integration Program, partnering with 8 schools in Year 1. The program has since expanded to 20+ schools, reaching over 3,000 students annually across Varanasi.
Program LaunchShyama Handball Academy Founded
Head Coach Rajesh Kumar Pandey founded the academy under the aegis of S.N. Pandey Khel Sansthan Trust with a founding batch of 22 students and a single outdoor court in Chandpur, Varanasi.
Academy FoundedMedals & Honours
A proud record of competitive excellence
State Championship Gold × 6
Boys & Girls teams combined (2015–2025)
State Championship Silver × 8
Across age categories (2013–2024)
State Championship Bronze × 12
Multiple categories over the years
Best Coach Award × 2
U.P. Handball Association (2018 & 2021)
4 National Camp Selections
Athletes selected for national-level camps (2023)
3,000+ Students Reached
Via School Integration Program annually
District Best Institution × 3
Varanasi District Sports Council (2019, 2022, 2024)