Junior Table Tennis Stars Tanvi and Aarav Desai Bring Hope to Parkinson’s Community

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by Barbara Wei

Aarav and Tanvi Desai hosting and coaching community members diagnosed with Parkinson's at Micro Motion Table Tennis. Pleasanton, CA. October 2024.

Aarav and Tanvi Desai hosting and coaching community members diagnosed with Parkinson's at Micro Motion Table Tennis. Pleasanton, CA. October 2024.

Sibling duo Tanvi (13) and Aarav (11) Desai from Dublin, California are accomplished junior table tennis players, both having been a part of the US National Junior Teams. Yet, their newest endeavor expands upon their competitive prowess to transform their table tennis skills into meaningful change for people diagnosed with neurological conditions.


While competing at the 2023 US Open Table Tennis Championship in Ontario, CA, Tanvi and Aarav encountered the Parkinson's Open event, which sparked their interest in supporting the Parkinson's community. In early April 2024, they reached out to the Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach Program for guidance and found leads to a special program for Parkinson's players run at the 888 Table Tennis Center. Soon after, they began volunteering during the summer and worked closely with individuals with Parkinson's, inspired by the positive impact table tennis could offer. Encouraged by their experience, they decided to established Table Tennis for Life, a non-profit initiative with the mission of improving health and fostering community through table tennis, this past summer. Their goal is to bring the physical and cognitive benefits of table tennis to individuals in their community.


Aarav and Tanvi Desai coaching at Micro Motion Table Tennis. Pleasantville, California. October 2024.
Tanvi Desai hosting community members diagnosed with Parkinson's at Micro Motion Table Tennis. Pleasanton, CA. October 2024.

“We want to promote table tennis by helping people with Parkinson’s, Autism and other diseases and disorders. We feel really proud because we just love to help people in general. We want to make sure table tennis is getting bigger and want to motivate people to play more. We're proud we can help people with something we're passionate about.” - Tanvi Desai, Co-founder Table Tennis for Life.

Driven by their love for the sport and a commitment to give back, Tanvi and Aarav lead weekly 90-minute sessions at Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy in Pleasanton, CA. They work closely with participants, offering individualized training and support, along with assistance from their coach, Vivian, and their parents. Each session combines stretching exercises, hand-eye coordination drills, and tailored gameplay to support motor skills and overall well-being, making table tennis accessible and enjoyable for people with Parkinson’s.


Aarav and Tanvi Desai coaching at weekly 90-minute Parkinson's training sessions Micro Motion Table Tennis. Pleasanton, CA. October 2024.
Aarav Desai coaching at weekly 90-minute Parkinson's training sessions Micro Motion Table Tennis. Pleasanton, CA. October 2024.

"When we help people with Parkinson’s or Autism, it’s not just rewarding—it’s fun, and we get to share our skills and teach them new techniques." Aarav Desai, cofounder Table Tennis for Life.

Since inception 6 months ago, the initiative has directly worked with 30 individuals with Parkinson’s who have all reported an improvement in their quality of life. The weekly training sessions support 12 participants at a time, and a waiting list has already accumulated. Tanvi and Aarav continue to spread the word through outreach programs and demos, including a recent presentation with the Mount Diablo Parkinson’s Network which reached over 400 people.


The impact of table tennis, and the passion from Tanvi and Aarav as coaches, is palpable. At one session, Bill, a player with Parkinson’s in the training group who had not stood up for 28 years, found the strength and energy to stand up on his two feet and rally with Tanvi and Aarav.


"Seeing him stand up and play was unforgettable. It showed us just how powerful table tennis can be." – Mahesh Desai, Father to Tanvi and Aarav

Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy is proud to support Tanvi and Aarav in their Table Tennis for Life initiative. Although the club has participated in community events before, this is the first time the club has had junior club members lead an initiative.


Tanvi, Aarav and their parents are excited for the future of Table Tennis for Life. More than a pilot initiative at their club, Tanvi and Aarav believe the initiative can spread across the U.S. There are over a million people living with Parkinson’s today in the U.S. If more initiatives could sprout up throughout the country, then more people could reap the health benefits of table tennis in their lives.


“There are a lot of communities in need today. Not a lot of sports can help them. Not soccer, not basketball, but table tennis can help. We should increase the number of people we can help” – Mahesh Desai, Father to Tanvi & Aarav

To learn more about Table Tennis for Life and how you can support their mission, visit tabletennisforlife.org or follow them on social media:

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