Racquetball Champ Akul Ramayani Eyes Return

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – For Akul Ramayani the racquetball court has been the home to some of his most joyous moments, whether it was learning a new technique, nailing the perfect shot or even securing a National Championship at just 11 years old. However, one memory, in particular, continues to stand apart from the rest, keenly reminding him of not only his indisputable love for the game, but also the power it can have to incite one’s career path.

Flashback six years ago: Ramayani, a six-time All-American and three-time Junior World Champion racquetball player, was just delivered some of the most shocking news of his 12 year old life. His long-time mentor of the game as well as friend dejectedly revealed he was never going to be able to play racquetball again due to knee issues and the need for two replacements. Ramayani was crushed after hearing these words; there was no one he knew who was more passionate about the game. Shockingly, just two weeks later, Ramayani was once again in disbelief; this time, when he saw his friend back at the racquetball court, his one hand holding a cane, the other a racquet while deftly rallying shots off of the four walls.

“Looking at him being able to do that, I really saw how a doctor can truly change a life so much and how amazing medicine is,” recalled Ramayani. “It really had a powerful effect on me.”

That impact soon blossomed into a yearning for the junior high aged Ramayani to want to pursue a career path in medicine, specifically one that helped athletes. At the time, he was one of the top ranked racquetball players on both the national and world circuits, earning a host of accolades, including a highly esteemed, elusive feat: Junior Athlete of the Year for Team USA for three years, in a sport he was introduced to almost by accident. A tennis player from 8-9 years old, the young Ramayani picked up racquetball around age 10 while a member of Gold’s Gym. It seemed like the ideal off-season training; he was instantly hooked, especially with the informal, yet diligent coaching of his father, Atul. Ramayani displayed impressive, natural talent as well as a desire to learn and improve. Within six months he played in his first tournament; soon after he earned two National Championships: one in singles, the other doubles. A National Team qualification followed as did World rankings. However, despite all of his daunting accomplishments, there was that pull to be a doctor, and with it, need to put a full-time focus and priority on academics.
“I saw how much the players in my division were training on the world level, and I just wasn’t ready to make that jump,” said Ramayani, who made the decision to leave the highly competitive racquetball circuit, electing to just periodically play for fun.

Fast forward present day: Ramayani at age 18 and a recent Arlington High School Class of 2020 graduate. After years of arduously committing himself to his high school studies as well as the college entrance process (even started his own company-College Process Prep- to help others navigate the process for free), he has solidified his acceptance to a prestigious 8 year BA/MD program at Brooklyn College. The journey will start this fall, and Ramayani is now determined to return to the game that has helped carve out who he is and where he is headed in more ways than he can express.

“I now finally have more time to pursue racquetball seriously,” explained Ramayani, whose sister Aakriti also is studying medicine. “I would still have another year in the 18 and under singles and doubles to compete.”

Beyond the magnetic pull of national and world ranking glory, Ramayani is intent on making his “comeback” for other intangible reasons.

“I love the speed of the game; it’s around 150 MPH, just crazy fast,” said Ramayani, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “It’s also a sport you can play year round and at any age; there are kids who play and adults into their 80’s.”

The road to more championships is not void of obstacles. A sport that often favors those shorter in stature, Ramayani, at 6’ 3” has a unique build for the game. However, his height does afford him a longer reach. Additionally, it’s primarily an individual sport, requiring intense self-discipline; while its greatest popularity has yet to reach New York, favoring states such as California and Texas, thus plenty of travel.

Then, there is the fact it’s mostly an adult played game in the Hudson Valley. Many of the players Ramayani practiced with as a kid were adults, but then again, one of them was his mentor who changed his life forever, allowing him to see the beautiful collision that can result from racquetball and medicine.

“I am looking forward to my future,” said Ramayani, reflecting on what lies ahead. “This is just the beginning.”