Table Tennis

Veteran paddler Sharath Kamal feels India have chances in the team event and also in mixed doubles at the Tokyo Olympics

 

One of India’s veteran table tennis players, Achanta Sharath Kamal shares his opinions on how he feels that qualifying for the Olympics is a tougher challenge than playing in the event itself. The three-time Olympian paddler made his debut in 2004 Athens followed by 2008 Beijing where he was India’s sole representative in table tennis. Lastly, he also qualified for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro.

“We just need to qualify. It’s more difficult to qualify (for the Olympics) than the actual event itself,” Sharath Kamal said in a conversation with the Olympic Channel.

The Indian paddlers will get their chance to make the cut to the Tokyo Olympics at the Asian Olympic qualifier from March 13 to 15 in Doha which will be followed by the World Olympic qualifier at the same venue from March 16 to 19.

The 38-year old reveals India’s best chance in table tennis at the Olympics later this year. He feels that India has a chance in the team event and also in the mixed double where he will be representing India alongside Manika Batra.

“Both in the team and mixed event we have a fair chance for a medal because it’s only 16 teams,” the 38-year-old said.

“But unfortunately, in the team event, we lost last year in January. So, there we have failed, and now it’s up to mixed doubles. And we are actually at 17 or 18th spot, we need to cut it to 16. At the World or Asian Qualifier, we need to get to that stage.”

Being the senior member and the captain of the Indian team, Sharath Kamal takes all the responsibility for the team’s poor performance in Portugal where India failed to secure their place for the Summer Games.

“I have to take the responsibility being the captain, being the leader of the team,” he said.

“G Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai look up to me; I should have continued to take on the battle myself rather than thinking that Sathiyan could take it on. But it was his first Olympics qualifier. More so, it was like we were a bit inexperienced because it was the first time we were going for the team qualifier. And were taken a little bit off guard.”

Sharath Kamal feels that the Indian team is still immature in terms of playing as a team as everyone starts speaking. “It’s the pressure, people are talking so much, it gets to you. That’s where we were a bit immature I would say,” he concluded.

 

 

 

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

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024