R Sundar

Co-founder & Director

R Sundar is the co-founder of Mastek Ltd., one of India’s early global tech solution companies and Executive Director of Majesco Ltd, the U.S. subsidiary of Mastek. He is also a board member of Sankara Eye Foundation, a US-based non-profit organization that works toward eliminating curable blindness in India.

His love for basketball and interest in helping underprivileged children right from the grassroot level were instrumental is the founding of Hi5 Youth Foundation. He strongly believes that underprivileged children lack the infrastructure, direction and opportunity to play and excel in sports in India. ‘Play’ is also a great medium to nurture young talent, inculcate values in them and encourage the strive for excellence. At Hi5, Sundar is responsible for the overall direction, scaling, funding and financial sustainability of the organisation.

Usha Sundar

Co-founder & Director of Operations

Having been an instructor and volunteer at various social sector organizations involved with children, youth and adult education in India and US, Usha Sundar took up the role of Director of Operations at Hi5 Youth Foundation. She was keen on co-founding Hi5 Youth Foundation because she has always been involved in helping out other NGOs that nurture lives of underprivileged children and basketball is a sport that’s close to her and family’s heart.

Apart from managing the daily operations of all the centres at Hi5 and functioning of the programs, she is also personally involved in designing and rolling out the life-skills training to the children with a special focus on empowering girls at Hi5.

Anshul Jain

Head – Operations

Anshul Jain is a sports management professional with 6+ years of experience in grassroots sports and coach training. Prior to Hi5, Anshul has worked with companies like KOOH Sports, Box8 and American School of Bombay and has been the co-founder of a sports education company. Anshul holds a Sports Management Diploma from Griffith University and an Engineering degree. Before joining the sports industry Anshul has worked in education and consulting field for 4 years. He loves spending time on the ground with the children and enjoys playing a game or two of any sport on the weekends.

Farheen Thange

Senior Manager – Finance, Admin and HR

Farheen Thange is a finance professional with 1 + years of experience in the financial sector. Before being a part of Hi5 youth foundation Farheen had a working experience in the FPnA section of OYO and Shipping department of the Indian Oil Corporation. Farheen holds a professional degree of a Cost and Management Accountant from the Institute of the Cost Accountants of India and also is a Bcom graduate from Mumbai University. Apart from academics she has always been inclined towards dance and drama activities. Farheen also has a sports touch to her personality as she has also been a table tennis player.

Vignesh Iyer

Technical Head – Systems & Training

When I came to junior college, I was hooked to the game. I only played basketball the entirety of 11th grade. In fact, I chose to pursue Commerce because everyone around me discouraged pursuing Science because I would then have to study a lot and wouldn’t have been able to play basketball at all! My parents didn’t restrict me for anything really because I would scrape average marks even if I was playing basketball all day. As long as I was doing well and good work, they were happy with me. There is an NBA player, Steph Curry, who is my all-time favourite basketball player. Watching him play is how I have learned a lot about basketball as a game. Before I had watched him, I didn’t even know that something like a 3-pointer existed!

When I was in my first year of college, I had coached at a private organization but they were not serious about coaching so I got very disinterested in it. But I didn’t want to quit basketball and I got introduced to Hi5 through Ramu Sir at the same time. I never thought this would become by full-time job when I joined but the more time passed, the more I was attracted to becoming a coach to these kids. Because they’re brilliant, these BMC kids are way responsive when compared to other privileged international schools and even better than the BMC school kids are the children from the tribal school in Vajreshwari!

Kevin Francis

Technical Head

Even though I was passionate about the game, my parents didn’t support the idea of playing basketball professionally as a career. In fact, when I was young, they didn’t even know I played basketball for those many insane hours! Academically, I studied engineering and sought a job in my field itself later. Although I didn’t find a job that was well paying and according to my requirements. I even tried my hand at entrepreneurship but it didn’t work out.

I never stopped playing though and one day, when I was playing at a center close to my house, Mr. Lohe from the BMC saw me coaching other players and approached me to coach students part-time. Initially, I refused because I didn’t see myself as a coach. I didn’t think it was something I’d be good at. But after sometime, I tried it and loved every bit of it!

When I got introduced to Hi5, it was a blessing! Their curriculum approach to coaching basketball showed that they were serious about coaching. They also invested time in teaching the coaches and giving them a support system that enables them to do better. I am now a part of testing and designing the curriculum as well as coordinating with other coaches. We measure everybody’s performance on a common scale and method.

This is now my full-time career considering we’ve been successful and are scaling. Plus teaching these kids is a joy. They are aware of this opportunity presented to them and learn the sport seriously. I am happy that I am finally doing something I think I was meant to do. As a coach, I get the respect and I also get to do play basketball every day, my vision matches with the leadership, what more can I ask? This is like a dream job for me!

Abhi Varrier

Senior Manager Tournaments & Operations Abhi Varrier is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media from SK Somaiya College, Mumbai University. With seven years of experience in prominent leagues like the Indian Super League and Pro Kabaddi League, Abhi has honed his skills in team operations and grassroots programs. He has worked with renowned sports franchises such as Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, and Kerala Blasters Football Club. In his spare time, Abhi enjoys watching Formula 1 and has a passion for collecting sneakers.

Arpan Ghole

Manager – Pathways Program

My name is Arpan Ghole. I completed my MBA in marketing from D.Y.Patil college in 2013. I have experience of 7 years in marketing in various Ed-tech companies. I choose the education industry as a career because I feel education is a gift that changes lives forever.

Hi5 is even a step forward with giving equal importance to education as well as sports in the lives of underprivileged students.

Talking about my hobbies ,I love travelling and trekking alot.

Harshada Shinde

Manager – Finance

Harshada works with Hi5 in the capacity of an accountant & office administrator. She has always wanted to extend her professional efforts in an NGO since her childhood so she chose to work with Hi5 because she believes the organisation is brightening the lives of underprivileged children and secure their future by training them in basketball. She believes that basketball can be played by anyone in many different ways; playing basketball builds friendships and connections on and off the court and playing as a team is the only way to succeed and win. Sportsmanship and having a good attitude makes playing the game enjoyable!

Asfa Siddiqui

Assistant Operations Manager

Asfa Siddiqui is a postgraduate in management from Institute of Management Technology . Achieved 10 years of working experience in the social development sector with great success. Managed cross-functional team through several large projects. Closely worked with children in education, skills to livelihood programs & Health and sanitation.

Saneej Patil

Regional Manager – Operations & Program delivery

I started my basketball journey when I was in 5th grade, my first thought about the game was just an activity of 2 hours but within the first 2 years I played my first U13 state championship from Thane district and from there I never looked back. I overall played 4 state championships and 2 school state championships. In my first year in college I met with an accident in 2013 and my wrist got dislocated. I was advised by physio to not play basketball at all, but luckily my coach gave me the opportunity to become coach at club level at AVS basketball club in Dombivali, from here my coaching journey began. I always used to think about my injury but daily coaching with my students gave me confidence even if I can't play Basketball but watching my students playing basketball always gave me another level of satisfaction. Later I completed my college and I started working as a safety ENGINEER in an MNC company for 2 years but I was not satisfied with the job. One of my Best friends and Hi5 coach Pawan informed me about Hi5 Youth foundation but I was confused about shifting my career, still I took the chance and I told my parents about the new opportunity. They being both PE teachers in BMC school, they supported me and I finally made the decision to join Hi5 as a ‘Center Coach’ for Hi5 at Sant Gadge Maharaj Ashram Shala, Vajreshwari . Within 1.5 years at Vajreshwari 17 children played for the district and won 4 tournaments that year and am proud to say that I am part of the HI5 family.

Anil John Baby

Regional Manager – Operations & Program delivery

My journey began with an active involvement in football and cricket from a young age. Playing sports taught me how to stay calm in pressure situations, fostered my values in teamwork, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship. Sports have always held a special place in my heart. I believe every player is equal on the pitch, sharing the same responsibility to perform and united by the common goal of winning while keeping the spirits high.

I completed my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and worked in the civil industry before deciding to chase my dreams in sports management. With a Master’s in Sports Management, I have been associated with the sports industry for over four years, dedicated to fostering the athlete mindset and education. My previous roles in the sports industry, combined with my experience in engineering, have equipped me with robust skills in logistics, operations, and leadership. Alongside sports, I also have a passion for mathematics

Abhishekh Dey

Assistant Operations Manager

Abhishek hails from Dhanbad but currently resides in Kolkata with his family. He holds a graduate degree in English and a postgraduate degree in Sports Management. His professional journey includes roles as a Sports Coordinator for an international school and as a Sports Development Manager for a sports management company.

Abhishek has a passion for reading and is a published author. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he has played sports at the school and college levels, showcasing his dedication to athletics.

Prakalp Mishra

With a Master's in Sports Management, Prakalp brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Their diverse interests include traveling, reading, and playing basketball, reflecting a well-rounded and dynamic personality.

Having accumulated 2.5 years of experience as a Junior Associate at Sportz Interactive, where he worked with D11 on fantasy sports operations, Prakalp has honed their skills in the sports industry. His deep passion for basketball has led them to the Hi5 Youth Foundation, where they can fulfill their dream of being involved in basketball grassroots development programs. Prakalp is dedicated to helping the younger generation achieve their dreams through basketball, making a significant impact on their lives and future.

Lakshmi Arigela

Assistant Operations Manager

Lakshmi holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Sports Management from NASM. With a strong background in sports operations, crowd management, and sales, she brings good experience to the table. A former state-level sprinter in the 200m and 400m events, Lakshmi combines her passion for sports with her professional expertise. In her leisure time, she enjoys listening to music, cycling, and gardening.

Sanika Sawant

Assistant Operations Manager

Sanika is a seasoned sports management professional with over three years of experience in the field. Before joining Hi 5, she contributed her expertise to high-profile events such as the WPL, IPL, and the Men’s Cricket World Cup, working with esteemed organizations like Bookmyshow, Paytm, and BCCI in their ticketing and operations teams. In addition to her sports management career, Sanika has dedicated eight years to teaching mathematics to SSC board students from underserved communities. She is also a proud member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, a global network of young leaders driving positive change. Beyond her professional achievements, Sanika is a national-level pistol shooter, a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, holds a 1st Yodan in Shotokan karate, and has a passion for theatre and dancing.

Chinmay Jadhav

Manager - Tournaments

Chinmay Jadhav's journey into basketball began with Hi5 Youth Foundation, where he learned everything about the sport. Originally from a football background, Chinmay has developed a deep appreciation for basketball. He holds a master's degree in sports management and thrives on being on the field and part of the action. As a district-level football player with a passion for outdoor activities, Chinmay is dedicated to promoting sports in India at the grassroot level, aiming to inspire and nurture young talent. His goal is to create opportunities for children to discover their potential and foster a lifelong love for sports.

Neha Gurav

Neha Gurav is an IT professional with over three years of experience in the IT service-based sector and the textile industry. Before joining Hi5, she worked at an IT service-based startup and a textile machinery sales company. She holds a B.Tech degree in Textile Technology from VJTI College.

As an alumna and scholarship holder of Avanti Fellows and Kotak Education Foundation, Neha believes in the transformative power of higher education and proper guidance. Referred to Hi5 by her mentor, she is grateful to be part of a team that promotes sports education and supports the education of underprivileged children.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Neha is eager to learn new things and loves watching anime.

Harshit Sheth

Manager - ESL

Dr. Harshit Sheth (H.C) is an accomplished author of two English language books and holds a Master’s degree in Economics. With seven years of experience in education and training, he has dedicated himself to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. His exemplary work has earned him prestigious accolades such as India’s Youngest Teacher Award, an Honorary Doctorate, and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. Beyond his contributions to education, Dr. Sheth is also a passionate singer, with his music available on various international platforms. His journey is driven by a commitment to inspire and empower others through knowledge and creativity, making a lasting impact in both the educational and musical spheres.

Pramila Jadhav

Teacher - ESL

Pramila is a dedicated professional who recently joined the Hi5 Youth Foundation as an ESL Teacher in March 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree, bringing nine years of teaching experience at the primary and middle school levels. Previously, she played a pivotal role as a teacher and Coordinator at Kotak Education Foundation, where she excelled in supporting classroom functions, lesson planning, and enhancing both individual and group learning environments.

Passionate about education, Pramila is committed to creating engaging learning experiences that empower students, whom she views as the builders of tomorrow's society. Outside of her career, she enjoys activities such as shopping, dancing, listening to music, and playing chess, which contribute to her balanced approach to life and work.

Genevieve Patel

Teacher - ESL

Genevieve holds an MA in Sociology and English Literature, a BA in Sociology, and a B.Ed in History and English, showcasing her strong academic foundation. With practical experience as Assistant Professor at Reena Mehta College, Primary Section Supervisor at God's Angels School, and Class Teacher at DSRV School, she brings a diverse perspective to education. Genevieve also contributes to digital content creation at Edozo and serves as a private tutor for HSC girls at Snehasadhan Girls Orphanage, reflecting her commitment to both educational innovation and community support.