At first glance, Kunal Ghanisham — towering at 1.85m tall and sporting a black cap — could be mistaken for a no-nonsense drill sergeant. And you wouldn’t be far off. A former military expert in the Republic of Singapore Navy, the sports and fitness coach’s stern exterior hides a warm and friendly personality.
A man who has worn many hats, Kunal once represented the now-defunct Gombak United in the Prime League as a commanding centre-back, but when national service came calling, he signed on with the Navy. More than a decade at sea honed his “leadership and man management” skills, and when it was time to move on, he did so with a spirit of exploration, ready to chart a new course on land.
“I wanted to do more, see more, explore more, study further — there was so much I wanted to achieve in life,” Kunal said.
Still, he admitted, “football always drew me back,” recalling how a former coach invited him to try his hand at coaching.
Without the right knowledge or coaching framework, his first session, he concedes, was nothing short of a “disaster.”
But Kunal persevered and has come a long way since then, earning an array of qualifications, from the Basic Exercise Science (BES) certification and the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma to the SG-Coach Level 2, and is now on the brink of completing his ‘B’ Diploma.
At the heart of his coaching journey, however, is a deep desire to give back to society.
Having endured a troubled childhood, sport became his escape. Now, through the programmes he runs, Kunal has the chance to shape young lives.
“We get to play a very interesting role in their lives,” he said. “We see them through their journey, watch them grow and develop… When I was a boy, I didn’t get to experience it all. So for me, it’s really about passion and how I can truly contribute back to society.”
One of the programmes that the 43-year-old conducts is the Health Promotion Board's "Move It with Active Family" programme, where parents and their children aged four to twelve can engage in team sports and games together.
Some of the activities that Kunal teaches as part of this initiative include archery, kin-ball, tchoukball, futsal, NERF and family obstacle games.
“You get a little bit of fundamental movements, you get exercise, and you have fun with it. You spend an hour bonding with your family. We promote fun, we promote bonding,” he said.
Having been part of the programme for four years, Kunal takes a holistic approach to coaching and is known for his jovial and patient style.
“(I want my participants to) always have a curious mind and respect others. I always drive values… and I try to create a safe zone for them. It’s about fostering a relationship, and if I can touch one of their lives and drive those values across, my job is done,” Kunal said.
Over the years, Kunal has received that same warmth in return, many times over.
“I have received kind messages from parents thanking me for my guidance and presence. We do it with our heart. We deliver and we guide. It's the coach's job. And at times, we also offer a listening ear,” he said.
Now, with HPB partnering with the Singapore Sports Hub, participants can take part in the "Move It with Active Family" programme at the Promenade at National Stadium.
And with the running track often being used by runners, inline skaters, dancers, and other sports enthusiasts of all ages, Kunal believes that it is an ideal location for drawing more interest to the free programme.
“After one of my Sunday classes here, I headed over to the ActiveSG Football Academy (AFA) Football Fiesta held at the National Stadium, and I was able to promote this programme to some of my participants who happened to be there as well,” Kunal shared. “It’s also another way of promoting the programme and letting the public know.”
Delivering an engaging and safe class in a multipurpose space like at Singapore Sports Hub can occasionally be challenging, he admits.
“Each day brings surprises, so adaptability and flexibility are key. We have to make decisions on the spot and stay professional, all to deliver the highest level of customer service.”
But that has done little to dampen his enthusiasm.
“If they enjoy my programme, I’m happy,” he said. “I’ve seen kids grow up over the years... It’s been a great journey.”
Join Kunal and his team in the Move It with Active Family programme for a fun-filled Sunday at the Promenade at National Stadium. Bond with your child through activities like skateboarding at 2pm (Gate 14) and archery at 3pm (Gate 22), all free to join. Find out more here.
