Meet Vishwajeet Sangle: India's Plant-Based Tennis Player

It's well known that vegan diets help achieve higher level of endurance, performance and faster recovery for most atheletes. Not too long ago, The documentary, The Game Changer's  by James Cameron created a lot of buzz amongst atheles. Cricketers like Virat Kohli, and fitness enthusiats like Akshay Kumar have been exploring vegan diets.  But what kicks them off and pushes them enough to follow this regime religiously? We deep dive on fitness and nutrition with one of India’s globally-recognized tennis players -Vishwajeet Sangle .

The 24-year-old athlete has represented the country in multiple international games. Sagle recently shifted to a plant-based diet, and we at Vegan First caught up with him for a quick chat about his experience:

Q. At such a young age of 24, you’ve accomplished so much..All this without any backup, Please share a little about your journey.

Well, I’m a professional vegan tennis player with an insatiable desire to represent Indian tennis at the highest levels. My tryst with tennis started at the age of nine at Phaltan in Satara, Maharashtra. Today, at the age of 24, I have won nine professional titles, three of which are at international levels and have played 72 nationals. I have a dream to represent India at the upcoming international tournaments globally like the Olympics, grand slams and many more.

Q. Which other tennis players in India do you admire?

I admire Leander Paes.

Q. Your success mantra for life is…?

Create your own path. Do not follow others. (We second that!)

Q. What prompted you to adopt a plant-based diet?

I'll keep it short and simple. Even though the benefits of plant based diets are plenty, when I became aware of the cruel atrocities done on animals for their meat, milk, clothing products, etc;  I was prompted to adopt a plant-based diet.

Q. How has your experience been so far? Have you noticed any significant changes in your health/overall lifestyle?

Since I’ve shifted to a plant-based diet my overall mental and physical health has improved drastically. As I take more fibre from a plant-based diet my muscles have got better toning.

Q. What was your biggest challenge when transitioning?

My biggest challenge was that I craved for milkshake often.

Q. Is there anything you miss about the non-vegan lifestyle?

I miss Oreo ice-cream. But with so many options available now.. it's hard to truly miss anything non vegan.

Q. Would you say that a plant-based diet has benefited you as a sportsperson?

Yes. This diet has helped me in improving overall health. I recommend everyone to follow it, not just atheles. 

Q. DO YOU USUALLY RELY ON VEGAN MEAT AND DAIRY ALTERNATIVES OR STICK TO A WHOLE FOODS DIET?

I stick to a whole foods diet more.

Q. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING VEGAN?

I do not regret harming any animals.

Q. What’s the vegan food you cannot live without/ favorite vegan cheat meal?

My favourite vegan food is vegan tacos.

Q. LASTLY, WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE ANY MESSAGE TO OUR READERS?

I would like to encourage fellow readers to convert into vegan as it helps in improving our environment and well-being of the animals on our planet.