Bengaluru auto driver once trained state-level table tennis players, hopes to coach again

Now driving an auto in Bengaluru's Malleswaram to make ends meet, this auto driver continues to hold onto his passion for the sport.

Updated on: Mar 12, 2025, 14:24:54 IST

By Anagha Deshpande

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A Bengaluru auto-rickshaw driver has captured attention for his extraordinary journey from coaching Karnataka’s state table tennis team to navigating the city’s streets.

Gurumurthy N, a former professional coach, was forced to switch careers after the Covid-19 pandemic. (Linkedin/Gayatri Gopakumar)

Gurumurthy N, a former professional coach, was forced to switch careers after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his livelihood. Now driving an auto in Malleswaram to make ends meet, he continues to hold onto his passion for the sport.

(Also Read: Bengaluru man arrested for murder, inspired by 'Drishya', police recover skeletal remains: Report)

His story was shared on LinkedIn by Gayatri Gopakumar, who described him as a man of professionalism, patience, and respect. She urged Bengaluru residents to support him, highlighting that he is still available for table tennis coaching.

“This chance meeting reminded me that we can wear multiple caps with excellence! Mr. Gurumurthy’s story proves that our professions don’t define us—we can pursue our passions with dedication and hard work,” she wrote.

Her post has since resonated with many, with people praising Gurumurthy’s resilience and dedication.

(Also Read: After bus, metro fare hike, Bengaluru auto drivers seek ₹50 minimum fare; meeting today)

Read her full post here:

Another auto driver, Samuel Christy, is making waves online for his entrepreneurial spirit. A graduate with a business idea, Christy is actively seeking funds for his startup while driving his auto-rickshaw.

(Also Read: Bengaluru to host Esports & Gaming summit to nurture India’s gaming talent, announces Karnataka IT minister)

A Reddit user recently shared a picture of a poster displayed behind Christy’s seat, which read, “Hi passenger, my name is Samuel Christy. I'm a graduate who is looking to raise funds for my startup business idea. If you're interested, please talk to me.”

The initiative has sparked widespread appreciation, with many praising Christy for his determination to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams despite financial constraints.

(Also Read: Bengaluru resident calls out police as bikers rampantly use footpaths. Watch video)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anagha Deshpande
Anagha Deshpande is Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times. She is currently part of the news team. Before moving into this role, she worked with the Bengaluru desk, where she extensively covered civic issues, Karnataka politics, infrastructure, and urban governance. Over the past seven years, Anagha has worked across multiple facets of digital journalism, including reporting, editing, and video production. She briefly stepped away from journalism, only to realize that the newsroom is where she has the most fun. Her interests lie in tracking national and state politics, particularly South Indian politics, as well as social issues and public policy. She has previously worked with Deccan Herald, Mid-day, The Federal, and ThePrint, and has lived and worked in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. When she isn't chasing stories, Anagha enjoys long aimless walks, reading, hiking, discovering new teas, and, by her own admission, overthinking almost everything.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.