Kolkata : Indian Table Tennis (TT) legend Achanta Sharath Kamal is set to retire after WTT Star Contender in Chennai, to be played from March 25-30, ending his legendary 20 years career.
One of the most decorated Indian athletes, Kamal, touched glories in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and also represented India in 5 Olympics, however, the dream of his Olympic medal remained unfulfilled.
“I have Commonwealth Games medals and Asian Games medals. Olympic medal is something I don’t have in my cupboard. I hope I can live that dream through the younger talent coming,” stated the TT legend.
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The 42-year-old won 7 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in different categories. He also won 3 silver and bronze medals at the CWG. He also secured a bronze medal twice at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and secured four bronze medals at the Asian Championships.
The veteran clinched his first-ever national title in 2003 and secured his maiden international medal at the 2004 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.
In 2010, he created history to become the 1st Indian paddler to win an ITTF Pro Tour title in the Egypt Open, defeating Hong Kong’s iconic Li Ching in the final.
Sharath Kamal has been honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri and Arjuna awards for his contribution to India’s table tennis.
The WTT Star Contender in Chennai will be conducted in India for first time, Kamal began his career in Chennai and wants to end it in the same venue.
“In India, I have always played well in all the tournaments that have happened. I am looking forward one more time to do well at the WTT Star Contender and at the same time, it’s a great opportunity for the Indian fraternity and young talents to have this experience and be part of such a big tournament. This is the first international tournament in Chennai and this will be my last international tournament for the national team. Looking forward to coming up with a good performance in Chennai,” Kamal said while announcing his retirement.
Currently ranked 42nd globally, Kamal maintains his position as the highest-ranked Indian player in the International Table Tennis Federation standings.
