👦 Darsheel Shrestha | Tennis Papers interview, November 2025

“My dream is to play at the Grand Slams and represent Nepal.”

Meet Darsheel Shrestha, Nepalese boy junior tennis player who lives in Pokhara, Nepal and competing in U16 tennis category.
Darsheel is ranked number 1 in Nepal in his category and competes in international ATF tournaments.

(Information gathered via an exclusive interview by Tennis Papers).

📘 Darsheel Shrestha | Biography, November 2025

🌄 Pokhara, Nepal 🇳🇵

🏔️ Gateway to the Himalayas – Pokhara offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, with peaks reflecting in the lakes like a dream.
🛶 Phewa Lake serenity – Calm waters, colorful boats, and the peaceful Tal Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.
🌅 Spectacular sunrises – Sarangkot is famous for its golden sunrise lighting up the Himalayas.
🪂 Adventure capital – Paragliding, trekking, boating, zip-lining—Pokhara has it all for thrill-seekers!
🌿 Tranquil vibe – A relaxed city perfect for meditation, yoga, and recharging your soul.
🏞️ Caves & waterfalls – Explore Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and scenic viewpoints.
☕ Cosy lakeside cafes – Enjoy Nepali tea, momos, and global cuisine with stunning views.

🎙️Darsheel Shrestha | Interview, November 2025

Hello, introduce yourself please.

My name is Darsheel Shrestha, I am 16 years old, I was born on March 11, 2009.
I am Nepalese, I live in Pokhara, Nepal.

What languages do you speak?

I speak Nepali, English, and Hindi. I also know a little bit of Chinese – just enough to introduce myself.

At what age did you start playing tennis?

I started playing tennis when I was around 5 years old.

Are there other tennis players in your family?

Yes. My father plays tennis and competes in the national veterans events. He’s very supportive of my tennis journey.

In which club do you train?

I train at the Kaski District Lawn Tennis Association.

Who are your coaches?

I’ve had many coaches, but my main coach from the start has always been my dad. Right now, I train with Kumar Adhikari, a former national coach of the Maldives, and Anil Shahi, who’s coached me for years. They’ve both helped me a lot in my tennis development.

What is your weekly training routine?

On school days, I train on court from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, followed by a one-hour gym session from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This adds up to about 4.5 hours a day, or roughly 22.5 hours of training per week.

As an athlete, what is your greatest quality and what do you need to improve?

My greatest qualities are my motivation and dedication, but I’m working on improving my mental strength and discipline on and off the court.

What is your junior category and your national ranking?

This is my final year in the U-16 category, and I am the number 1 ranked U16 player in Nepal.

What has been your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is winning my first international title in the Open Men’s Doubles in Darjeeling, India. I also had impressive results in the Roland-Garros Junior Series Asia Qualifying in China and have claimed couple national junior titles in Nepal.

In which countries have you already played tournament?

So far, I have competed in tournaments across Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, and India, gaining valuable international experience along the way.

Do you have any sponsors?

I do not have any sponsors at the moment.

What is your goal for 2026?

In 2026, I aim to play more international tournaments and reach the Top 600 in the ITF Junior rankings, taking my game to the next level on the global stage.

What is your tennis dream?

My tennis dream is to play at the Grand Slams, compete at the highest level, and represent Nepal on the world stage.

Who are your favorite tennis players?

My favorite tennis player is Novak Djokovic. I admire his work ethic, mental toughness, and consistency at the highest level.

What do you like to do outside of tennis?

Outside of tennis, I love jamming on the guitar, dancing around, playing table tennis, and sneaking in some mobile games when I can.

To which people would you like to dedicate this interview?

I would like to dedicate this interview to my family, my coaches, and everyone who has supported and guided me throughout my tennis journey. Their encouragement and guidance have been a big part of helping me reach where I am today.

Thanks a lot Darsheel!
Tennis Papers wishes you the best in your tennis life 💜🩷

🎾 Darsheel Shrestha | Tennis playing, November 2025