The high-speed nature of the sport is what attracted him. “You're running, jumping, lunging, stretching and all at the same time trying to hit an object with a racket which is not easy to do,” he describes.

Dhanny’s talent took him to the highest echelons of the sport representing New Zealand at a senior national level.

After twenty-eight years as a player and coach, Dhanny decided to take his passion to the next level completing a New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector) at Unitec in 2023.

The qualification has opened doors to a career that is now taking him around the world and impacting the lives of others.

Dhanny has been the Development Officer at Oceania Badminton since January 2024. In his role, he supports the delivery of participation, coaching, and development programmes across the Pacific region, working closely with able-bodied and para-eligible athletes, as well as administrators, coaches and officials.

“I enjoy collaborating with so many people and countries on the various projects we run, as well as meeting new faces,” says Dhanny.

“I am using my passion for badminton to inspire individuals and communities to lead healthier, more active lives.”

Staying in touch with badminton through part-time coaching in clubs and schools made him realise he found his enjoyment in sport which prompted him to go back to study.

“The best advice I received was ‘you miss every shot you don't take’ and that's what I did with deciding to take a year off work to study,” says Dhanny.

“I chose enjoyment to pursue a career in the sports industry and luckily, it was the right decision.

Dhanny says his experience at Unitec not only reinvigorated his love of sport but also opened his eyes to career pathways.

“I chose to study at Unitec after liking what I saw about their course and their amazing sport staff sold me on the programme as well,” he explains.

“I really enjoyed the practical learning of the course. But mostly the lecturers were a big highlight, being able to freely talk and discuss things felt really comforting.”

Dhanny says the course’s practical approach helped grow his confidence in being able to handle situations. “It helped me tackle things with a more open mindset,” he says.

Those skills have helped him in his work with Pacific nations and handling logistical, cultural and communication challenges that exist in the region.

School of Community Studies, Academic Programme Manager, Rob Gambolati, described Dhanny as an outstanding student.

“Teaching students like Dhanny makes coming to work every day easy. He was punctual to classes, engaged in lessons, and worked well with his peers,” says Mr Gambolati.

“He brought his sporting experience into the classroom with him but was open to seeing different perspectives and growing from the learning opportunities throughout the programme. He was proactive in his learning, taking initiative to lead classroom kōrero and practical activities with confidence.”

Dhanny urges others with a love of sport to turn their passion into a career. “There are so many pathways in sport, and many opportunities to be a part of it like volunteering. Just explore it and enjoy it,” he says.

 

Learn more about Unitec’s New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector).