Jalandhar-based shuttler aims to open sports academy for aspiring players
Gurpartap Singh Dhaliwal is a 31-year-old badminton player and entrepreneur from Jalandhar. He recently shared his journey—from early training days to international competitions. Now, he’s exploring business and advertising. He works alongside his wife, Fenil Umrigar Dhaliwal, an actress-turned-entrepreneur.
Gurpartap also shared his plans to start a dedicated sports academy in Jalandhar, where budding players will be given a chance to hone their skills and achieve big in sports.
Born and brought up in Jalandhar, Gurpartap’s inspiration to take up badminton stemmed from his parents. “I started playing at the age of four. My father, the Director of Sports at NIT Jalandhar and the first Director of Sports of Punjab Technical University, played a major role in shaping my athletic spirit. My mother, a retired lecturer in physical education in a Punjab government school, was equally influential,” he shared.
He pursued his schooling at MGN Public School, Adarsh Nagar, Jalandhar, where his early days of competing in school tournaments laid the foundation for a competitive career. Gurpartap trained rigorously at the Hansraj Badminton Stadium and later enhanced his skills under international coaches like Tom John and Jogindran Krishnan.
He earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science from Guru Nanak Dev University in 2016. However, his love for sports prevailed and he later pursued a certificate course in sports coaching from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, in 2021; a Bachelor of Physical Education from Maharaja Bhupindra Singh Punjab Sports University in 2023; and a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Sports from Punjabi University, Patiala.
With a tally of 49 sporting accolades, Gurpartap has played in prestigious events like the Syed Modi International Tournament (2015–2017), the Indian Open (2019), and international challenges in the Maldives and Nepal. He is also a three-time senior state champion and has competed in multiple national and inter-university championships.
Adding a personal milestone to his life, Gurpartap tied the knot in 2024 with Fenil Umrigar, a popular face in Indian television. “She continues doing commercials for brands,” Gurpartap added with pride.
Gurpartap too has stepped into the advertising world. “Recently, both of us shot commercials for national and international brands,” he hinted.
Reflecting on his journey, Gurpartap credited his parents for their unwavering support. “They gave me complete freedom and backed me financially when I started to chase my dreams. I now want to give back by starting a sports academy in Jalandhar—a dream my parents fully support.” With multiple feathers in his cap and new ventures on the horizon, Gurpartap remains an example of versatility.
Jalandhar