In a world often consumed by fleeting fame and forgotten victories, Neha Uberoi Khangoora has carved out a story that resonates far beyond the lines of a tennis court.
She is not just a former professional tennis player who reached the upper echelons of the Women’s Tennis Association rankings; she is a Princeton graduate, licensed psychotherapist, non-profit founder, and fierce advocate for mental health and South Asian representation in sports. Her journey is a symphony of second chances, self-discovery, and service—written not with grand slams, but with grace.
Neha Uberoi: A Childhood Fueled by Ambition and Love for the Game
Born on February 6, 1986, in a family that radiated ambition, Neha Uberoi Khangoora picked up a tennis racquet at the age of five. What began as play soon transformed into purpose. With the support of her entrepreneurial father, Mahesh, and her nurturing mother, Madhu, Neha and her sister Shikha moved to Saddlebrook Tennis Academy at just nine years old. While most kids were still navigating playground politics, she was perfecting backhands and building the mental toughness that champions are made of.
It didn’t take long for her talent to shine. At 16, Neha Uberoi entered Princeton University and made waves as an All-American and Ivy League Rookie of the Year. But her heart was tugged toward the professional tour. Leaving behind the Ivy walls, she dedicated six years to competing globally—a bold and risky leap that would define the first arc of her story.
Tennis: Triumphs, Trials, and Tenacity
Neha Uberoi’s professional tennis career was nothing short of a rollercoaster—full of grit, heartbreak, and flashes of brilliance. She graced the courts of Grand Slams, competed in WTA and ITF tournaments across continents, and clinched a career-high singles ranking of World No. 196 and a doubles ranking of No. 107.
Notable milestones included reaching the second round of the US Open doubles in 2005 and being a finalist at the Sunfeast Open and Guangzhou International Women’s Open the same year. Neha’s doubles partnership with her sister Shikha became a beacon of sisterhood and synergy in an otherwise solitary sport.
But with glory came grind. The injuries, travel fatigue, and relentless competition took a toll. In 2008, after nearly a decade of giving her all to the game, Neha decided to retire. Her farewell wasn’t from failure—it was a conscious choice to pause, reflect, and rediscover herself.
The Power of Reinvention: From Athlete to Academic to Advocate
Reinvention is not a retreat—it’s an act of courage. After retiring from tennis, Neha Uberoi Khangoora returned to Princeton, earning her sociology degree in 2012. Armed with insights into identity, culture, and human behavior, she realized her next calling: mental health.
Becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist was more than a career move—it was an act of healing and purpose. Drawing from her own experiences in the high-pressure world of professional sports, she became an empathetic guide for others navigating their own mental health battles.
Her work is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. She advocates especially for South Asian communities, breaking down stigmas and encouraging open dialogue around mental wellness.
A Voice for Representation and Belonging
In 2016, Neha Uberoi co-founded South Asians in Sports, a non-profit organization designed to build a network and community of professionals of South Asian heritage across the global sports industry. Her leadership is fueled by a powerful mission—to ensure that South Asians are not just participants, but visible leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the sporting world.
Whether through public speaking, mentorship, or storytelling, Neha Uberoi’s influence extends far beyond therapy rooms or tennis courts. She is actively rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a South Asian woman in the spotlight—and what it means to thrive on your own terms.
Family, Culture, and the Power of Roots
Neha’s story is deeply enriched by her cultural heritage. One of five sisters—all of whom played tennis professionally or competitively—she grew up in a household that balanced tradition with bold ambition. She’s the niece of Bollywood veteran Suresh Oberoi and cousin to actors Vivek and Akshay Oberoi. While Hollywood and Bollywood shimmer in her lineage, her light comes from a different place: authenticity.
Fluent in Hindi, English, and Spanish, Neha Uberoi frequently visits family in Mumbai and proudly straddles multiple cultures with ease. Her identity is not fragmented but beautifully layered—and that duality has become one of her greatest strengths.
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