Harmeet's passion for table tennis was evident from a young age. "It was love at first sight with table tennis for me," he said. His parents supported his decision to pursue the sport seriously. Harmeet credits the game for helping him grow as a person and providing opportunities to represent India on international platforms.

Training and Coaching

Harmeet spends most of his time training in Europe. Since 2018, he has been training at the TTF Biberach table tennis academy in Ochsenhausen, Germany, under coach Fu Yong. This location allows him to participate in 15 to 20 international tournaments annually with ease. He also trains under Stephane Hucliez at SPO Rouen in France.

Club Affiliations

Harmeet represents several clubs and organisations. He plays for SPO Rouen in France, Gujarat State in India, and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in India. These affiliations have helped him gain valuable experience and exposure on various platforms.

Awards and Honours

Harmeet's achievements have been recognised with several awards. In 2019, he received the Arjuna Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games in India. In 2016, he was honoured with the Khel Pratibha Puraskar award by the Gujarat State Table Tennis Association for his performance at the 2015 Commonwealth Championships.

Additionally, he received the Shaktidoot Award from the Sports Authority of Gujarat in 2015 for his international performances that year. The same year, he was also presented with the Sardar Patel Award by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation for his contributions to sports.

Personal Life

Harmeet is married to Krittwika Sinha Roy, who has also represented India in table tennis. The couple started dating in 2012 and got married in December 2021. Harmeet believes that having a partner who understands the demands of a professional athlete's life is beneficial. "We can support each other in our endeavours," he said.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Harmeet aims to continue representing India on international platforms and hopes to inspire future generations of table tennis players. His dedication to the sport and support from his family have been key factors in his success so far.

Harmeet Desai's journey from a young boy playing table tennis with his family to becoming an acclaimed athlete is inspiring. His story highlights the importance of passion, dedication, and support from loved ones in achieving success.