From badminton champion to chartered accountant: The unfolding journey of CA Prakash Sharma

Not all heroes wear capes—some wield badminton rackets and balance sheets. Meet CA Prakash Sharma whose story is a beautiful blend of sport, service, and self-belief. From conquering badminton courts to becoming a thought leader in the world of accounting, his journey proves that discipline knows no boundaries—and neither does purpose.

Where it all began: A racket, a diagnosis, and a dream

Growing up in Jaipur, Sharma faced an unexpected hurdle early on—severe asthma. Doctors suggested outdoor activity as a remedy, so he picked up a badminton racket in sixth grade. What began as therapy soon became his calling. His health improved, his game flourished, and by college, he was representing his university and winning tournaments.

But success on the court didn’t make life easier. Coming from a modest family—his father a retired Sanskrit teacher—there wasn’t much financial cushioning. Starting a business wasn’t an option. So, Sharma leaned into education and chose the path of chartered accountancy. It wasn’t love at first ledger, but it was the beginning of a transformation.

From confusion to clarity: Discovering purpose in practice

Initially, Sharma admits, he barely knew his graduation requirements. Years of athletic focus had left academics in the rear-view mirror. But he pressed on. The turning point came when he joined a CA firm led by Mr. S.E. Jam, who became more than a mentor—he became a guide. Under his watchful eye, Sharma began taking the profession seriously. He studied harder, worked smarter, and slowly but surely, the athlete turned into a sharp, strategic finance professional.

Ahead of the curve: Betting big on technology

While many were comfortable with the status quo, Sharma saw the winds of change early. Technology, he realized, would soon be at the heart of accounting. While others stuck to manual audits, he dove headfirst into system audits and earned his CISA certification.

He built a practice that embraced software-led audits and cloud-based accounting. His belief was simple but firm:

 “If you don’t understand accounting software, survival in this profession isn’t guaranteed.” 

Today, Sharma is recognized as one of the early adopters who helped modernize the way CAs work.

Giving back to the profession one step at a time

For Sharma, it was never just about personal success. His involvement with ICAI’s Central Council was a way of giving back to the community that shaped him. As Chairman of the Committee for Members in Practice, he helped launch office management software to support small firms through digital transformation—free of cost.

He also advocates for lifelong learning, urging every CA to dedicate at least 20% of their time to updating their skills. His message is clear:

 “If you’re not updated, you’re outdated.” 

UDAY CA Hostel: A home for dreams

Having lived through financial constraints himself, Sharma wanted to remove that barrier for others. That’s how Uday Hostel in Jaipur was born—a free hostel for CA aspirants from low-income families. It’s not just accommodations; it’s a launchpad for dreams. To date, over 1,200 students—many children of daily wage earners—have cleared their CA exams from this initiative.

Changing lives through education, Sharma says, is the most meaningful work he’s done.

When integrity is tested

In 2009, during a high-profile audit, Sharma found himself at a crossroads. His report led to the stock of a major Indian company plummeting from ₹230 to ₹20. He was offered enormous sums to “adjust” the findings. But he didn’t bend.

His resilience, he says, comes from his sporting roots:

 “Badminton taught me to lose with grace and win with humility. It made me strong enough to stand by my values—even when it’s tough.” 

Balancing sheets and sweat: A life of discipline

Sharma believes physical fitness fuels mental sharpness. His daily routine includes a seven kilometer (4.3 miles) run and an hour of yoga. Even after major bypass surgery, he hasn’t slowed down; he still participates in half marathons.

While his badminton days have taken a backseat, he still picks up the racket when time permits. The athlete in him never left; he just evolved.

A family that accounts together

At home, accounting is practically a family tradition. His daughter became a CA, his son pursued CPA in Sydney, and even his wife began the CA journey, although she paused it midway due to family responsibilities. Their home is filled not just with ledgers, but shared ambition, values, and pride.

Looking ahead: From success to significance

Sharma is far from done. While he continues to serve ICAI and run his practice, his heart is set on expanding social initiatives like UD Hostel. He hopes to mentor young CAs, not just to help them pass exams, but to shape them into ethical, driven professionals.

“If there’s a will, there’s always a way,” he says. And Sharma’s life is living proof of that.