Meet Srinivasa Praveen Chand Kolipaka of Alpharetta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Srinivasa Praveen Chand Kolipaka.

Hi Srinivasa Praveen Chand, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Headline:

Founder & Director at SBA | Sports Entrepreneur | Ex-IT Professional | Passionate About Youth Development Through Badminton

My Journey – Praveen Kolipaka

After over a decade in the IT industry, I took a leap of faith to follow my true passion—coaching, mentoring, and building the next generation of athletes. I realized a gap in structured training for kids and families who wanted to pursue badminton seriously. That inspired me to create Sree Badminton Academy — not just as a coaching center, but as a community where kids learn values like discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

Starting small with just a few students, SBA has now grown into one of Georgia’s leading badminton training centers, recognized for quality coaching and community involvement. Alongside a strong team, we’ve built programs that serve both beginners and competitive players — always keeping the “Beyond Badminton” spirit alive.

Today, nothing is more fulfilling than seeing kids who once hesitated to hold a racquet now competing with pride, winning matches, and enjoying the sport. Parents often share how SBA has helped their children become more focused, physically active, and emotionally strong — not just on court, but in life.

From writing code to building champions, this journey has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m proud to say SBA is a family — united by sport, driven by purpose.

— Praveen Kolipaka
Founder, Sree Badminton Academy

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
From Code to Court — My Journey with SBA

What started as a passion project while working full-time in IT quickly turned into a calling. I founded Sree Badminton Academy (SBA) with a dream to nurture young talent and build a strong badminton community.

But building a brand, managing operations, and delivering quality coaching wasn’t something I could do part-time — not if I truly wanted to make an impact. So, I made the toughest yet most fulfilling decision of my life — I left my IT career to commit full-time as Director & Head Coach at SBA.

Since then, it’s been a journey of challenges, growth, and countless proud moments — from our kids winning internal and local tournaments, to parents sharing how their children have transformed through the sport.

SBA isn’t just an academy — it’s a family, a movement, and a mission to develop confident, disciplined, and skilled athletes.

— Praveen Kolipaka
Founder & Director, SBA

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

Srinivasa Praveen Chand Kolipaka
Ex-IT Professional | Sports Entrepreneur | Founder & Director, Sree Badminton Academy

A result-oriented IT Project Management professional with over 22 years of experience, I’ve successfully led and executed diverse projects in complex technical environments. With a strong focus on automation and seamless project tracking, I’ve independently managed large-scale application development, support, and technical service engagements, ensuring client satisfaction and operational excellence.

Throughout my corporate journey, I’ve combined technical expertise with strategic leadership, delivering on key business outcomes — including revenue growth, profitability, and high-quality service delivery. My experience includes:

1. Providing exceptional client service and stakeholder engagement
2. Achieving business targets — both revenue and profitability
3. Managing and mentoring cross-functional teams
4. Driving efficiency through structured project monitoring systems

Now, as a sports entrepreneur, I apply the same principles of discipline, planning, and team management to Sree Badminton Academy (SBA) — a growing sports community built on passion and purpose. My dual experience in tech and sports gives me a unique edge in leading with both precision and people-centricity.

How do you think about luck?
Luck has certainly played its part — both good and bad — but it’s what you do with it that truly defines your path.

I’ve had moments of good fortune: meeting the right people at the right time, getting early support from families who believed in SBA, and finding dedicated coaches and volunteers who shared the vision. These moments gave me the momentum to grow.

At the same time, I’ve faced tough breaks — challenges with space, finances, balancing a full-time IT job while starting the academy, and the uncertainty that comes with any new venture. You could call it bad luck, but I’ve always seen those moments as tests of persistence.

In the end, I believe luck opens doors, but effort, values, and consistency are what keep you in the room.
SBA was built not on luck alone, but on passion, purpose, and people who believed in the journey.

— Praveen Kolipaka

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sreebadmintonacademy.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sreebadmintonacademy