Veteran Indian table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal, who recently competed in what might be his final Olympic Games in Paris, is now contemplating his future both within and outside the sport. Despite a disappointing early exit in the men’s singles and team events, the 41-year-old remains committed to staying connected to table tennis and is considering taking up an administrative role to contribute to the sport’s growth in India.
Sharath Kamal’s Paris Olympics journey ended in the first round of the men’s singles event, where he lost 2-4 to Slovenia’s Deni Kozul. In the men’s team event, Sharath, along with teammates Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar, faced a formidable Chinese team and bowed out in the pre-quarterfinals with a 0-3 defeat.
Reflecting on his performance in what he acknowledged could be his last Olympics, Sharath expressed satisfaction with his efforts, emphasizing that he left no stone unturned in his preparation. “The only difference was the mindset since I knew it was going to be my last Olympics. I put in everything that I had in Paris,” Sharath told PTI during the launch of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league on Wednesday.
“Preparation-wise, I did everything possible, and there are no regrets. Overall, really happy with the way I played,” he said.
As he transitions from his playing career, Sharath Kamal is considering ways to remain active in the sport. He hinted at taking up roles within the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) or the Sports Authority of India (SAI), where he could use his experience and insights to help develop the next generation of Indian table tennis players.
“Still haven’t decided clearly what will be my roadmap ahead. But, I’ll sit down and have a talk with the federation and decide with my family as well about what exactly has to be done ahead,” he explained. “But, I’ll be staying around with the game and probably taking up positions in the federation or the SAI and trying to help the sport.”
Sharath Kamal’s potential move into administration is seen as a positive step for Indian table tennis, where his extensive experience and leadership could prove invaluable in shaping the future of the sport in the country.
Meanwhile, Sharath remains actively involved in competitive table tennis, representing Chennai Lions in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league. He credited the league for providing a vital platform for young Indian players to compete against top international talent. “These leagues give us the right platform, especially the youngsters, to stand up against the best competition in the world, train with and against them and try to beat them,” he said. “Playing at home does not allow you to get intimidated, and that attitude helps you grow at the international level. So, after every season, we have identified great talents. We hope it (UTT) is the next big thing.”*l
As Sharath Kamal contemplates his next steps, both on and off the table, his commitment to Indian table tennis remains as strong as ever. Whether in an administrative role or as a mentor to young players, his influence on the sport is likely to continue for years to come.
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