In the heart of Jammu and Kashmir's vibrant cricketing landscape stands Rajesh Dhar, a Physical Education Lecturer whose profound wisdom illuminates the path for the region's finest talents. More than a mentor, coach or selector, he is a visionary torchbearer,igniting dreams and forging champions who shine on national and international stages.
A postgraduate in Physical Education with a specialization in cricket, Dhar brings 25 years of distinguished service as a Selector for the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS). Under his guidance, J&K teams have claimed national laurels,including a historic Gold medal in the prestigious U-19 Girls Cricket Championship at the National School Games in Bhopal.
That triumphant squad,featuring stars like Meenu Singh Slathia—now a Member of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association—included 21 states and union territories in fierce competition. Dhar also coached the U-19Girls Tennis Ball Cricket team to Gold at the 58th National School Games in Jammu and steered the U-19 Boys team to the semifinals of the SGFI's CK Nayudu Trophy, in which 27 States/UTs across India took part at Agra in 2004.
His own playing days gleam with honour: Skipper of the famed Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education Nagpur team for two consecutive years (1993 and 1994), Dhar earned a spot in the Nagpur University probables alongside international cricketer Prashant Vaidya.
Accredited as a BCCI Level-1 Coach, Level-A Umpire, and Curator Course holder, Dhar's expertise extends to management. He has served as one of the most seasoned Managers for JKCA Senior Men's and Women's teams, Assistant Coach/Trainer for J&K's Senior Men's squad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2012-13, and Coach for the JKCA U-17 Men's team in 2005.
Beyond the field, as an eminent cricket columnist and sports scribe, Dhar has championed J&K's hidden gems, shaping careers and kindling ambitions that reach global heights.
International cricketer Parvez Rasool, after donning India's colours, hailed Dhar as his childhood coach: "Dhar Sir played a pivotal role in my ascent. At 17, he told me I would represent India—I thought it mere encouragement then, but it came true. I owe my success to him."
Ace cricketer Ian Dev Singh, post his India U-19 Commonwealth exploits against South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and more, credited mentors Randhir Singh and Rajesh Dhar for his rise.
Shubham Khajuria, after representing India U-19, recalled Dhar's foresight: During U-14 DYSS selection trials at age 11, Dhar told my father, "I see a spark in his batting—if ignited, shift to Jammu." That spark blazed into national glory.
Deepak Dogra, now a Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali stalwart with a berth in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), attributes his journey to Dhar's nurturing hand.
J&K Women's skipper Jasia Akhter, India international Surabhi Dadheechi (from the pre-BCCI women's era against Pakistan), and prodigies Aamir Ashraf and Parveen Singh—all echo the same gratitude, their successes rooted in Dhar's unwavering belief.
Rajesh Dhar doesn't just mentor or coach; he crafts destinies, proving that true mentorship turns potential into legend.
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