Table Tennis

Achanta Sharath Kamal happy with his performance at the Tokyo Olympics after his loss against Ma Long

 

Indian table tennis contingent’s journey at the Tokyo Olympics came to an end when Achanta Sharath Kamal lost his Round 3 clash against Chinese legendary paddler Ma Long. He lost  7-11, 11-8, 11-13, 4-11, 4-11 almost making the Dragon panic with his exceptional shot making. It was indeed a learning curve for the Indian paddler who does not want to stop even after four Olympics appearances.

Long has won three World Champions and a Gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Therefore taking a game off the World Champion and then leaving him guessing in the next game was a testament to the class and quality Sharath Kamal was on the night.

“His legs were shaking,” Sharath told Olympics.com after the match.

“I could see him shake. And I was happy I could put him in that position.”

“As far as this Olympics go, there are a lot of positives for me,” said the 38-year-old, who had reached the Round of 32 for the first time.

“We were maybe a little unfortunate with the draw, running into the team that won the bronze in the first round of mixed doubles. And facing Long in the third round today.”

While the scores might not suggest of any fight in the last two games, Sharath Kamal explains how he was close in those games as well but it was just that Long was gaining is confidence and calming himself down.

“Against Long, I got myself into a good position. Even the fourth and fifth games were a lot closer than the score suggested. I think after winning the third game he just became a little more relaxed and started going for his shots.”

Kamal made his debut at the 2004 Athens Olympics is in the form of his life at 39! He reiterates how he never said this to be his last Olympics. He wants to continue playing until his body permits.

“I never said this is going to be my last Olympics, it’s mainly the media that has been saying that,” he said. “I don’t think I have to retire just because I am 39 years of age. This is the most physically fit I have been and it has undoubtedly been my best Olympics. When I look back, there is nothing I could have done more or done differently. I have no regrets.”

With his entry into the ROund 3 of the Olympics, this was Achanta Sharath Kamal’s best ever performance at the Summer Games. So he is right about being at his best even at 39 and if he can challenge the best in the world like this then he should continue for as many years as he wants.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Novak Djokovic ‘honoured’ to have rivalry with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic said it was his honour to share the epic rivalry with Rafael Nadal.… Read More

November 22, 2024

Robert Lewandowski names Sergio Ramos as his most ‘favourite and difficult’ opponent to face

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has named former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos as his most… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pep Guardiola signs Manchester City extension through 2027

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension with the club till… Read More

November 22, 2024

Mohammedan SC’s Andrey Chernyshov wants team to give their best in every Indian Super League match

Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov wants the club to give their best in every… Read More

November 22, 2024

Nick Kyrgios says the game of tennis is bland in the post Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal era

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has predicted tennis will become bland after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. Nadal lost… Read More

November 22, 2024