Five-time Olympian and one of India’s most decorated table tennis players, Achanta Sharath Kamal, has announced his retirement from the sport. The upcoming WTT Star Contender in Chennai will mark the final chapter of his illustrious career, making it his last appearance in India’s national colours.
At 42, Sharath Kamal leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a 10-time national champion and India’s top-ranked men’s singles player, currently positioned 42nd in the WTT rankings.
Sharath Kamal’s Reflections on His Career
Speaking at a press conference in Chennai, Sharath expressed his emotions about closing this chapter where it all began.
“I played my first international tournament here, and now I’ll be playing my last international match in the same city. While I’ve earned Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medals, the Olympic medal remains a dream. I hope the next generation of players can achieve it,” he said.
A Glorious Career Spanning Two Decades
Sharath Kamal’s table tennis journey has been nothing short of legendary. In a career that has spanned over two decades, he has amassed numerous accolades:
- 13 Commonwealth Games medals, including seven golds.
- Two Asian Games bronze medals.
- Two ITTF Pro Tour titles.
- Five Olympic appearances, cementing his status as one of India’s greatest sporting icons.
His breakthrough came in 2003 when he claimed his first national title, followed by his first international medal at the 2004 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. That same year, he earned a place in the 2004 Athens Olympics, kickstarting his Olympic journey.
Major Achievements and Comebacks
- 2004: Awarded the Arjuna Award for his contributions to Indian table tennis.
- 2006: Won the historic singles gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
- 2010: Multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, including the men’s team and men’s doubles titles. Became the first Indian to win an ITTF Pro Tour title at the Egypt Open.
- 2018: Staged a remarkable comeback, winning medals in every event at the Commonwealth Games and securing two bronze medals at the Asian Games.
- 2019: Achieved a career-best world ranking of No. 30 and clinched his record ninth national title.
- 2020: Won his second international title at the Oman Open at the age of 37, a decade after his first.
- 2021: Secured a bronze medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships.
- 2022: Won his 10th national title and multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. His excellence was recognized with India’s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
- 2023: Played a pivotal role in securing India’s first-ever team quota for table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Sharath Kamal at the Olympics
Sharath’s Olympic journey saw him face some of the biggest names in table tennis history. At Tokyo 2020, he reached the round of 32, where he competed against the legendary Ma Long, who went on to win the gold medal.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sharath was given the honour of being India’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony, alongside badminton star PV Sindhu. This made him the first Indian table tennis player to receive such recognition.
Although his run in the men’s singles event at Paris 2024 ended in the opening round, his contributions to Indian table tennis remain unparalleled.
A Legacy That Will Inspire Generations
Sharath Kamal’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian table tennis. His commitment, perseverance, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the sport. His influence extends beyond medals and titles—he has been a role model for aspiring table tennis players in India.
As India bids farewell to one of its greatest sporting legends, Sharath Kamal’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, pushing them towards achieving greater heights in the global arena.
