Sharath Kamal Aims to Motivate Future Stars Before Retirement
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Synopsis
At a press conference on March 5, Achanta Sharath Kamal announced his retirement from table tennis, with the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 being his final tournament. He hopes to inspire the next generation and fill the void left by his departure.
Key Takeaways
- Sharath Kamal announces retirement from professional table tennis.
- The WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 will be his last tournament.
- He aims to inspire future players to continue the legacy.
- Kamal holds 13 Commonwealth Games medals, including 7 golds.
- He has represented India in 5 Olympic Games.
Chennai, March 5 (NationPress) During a significant press event marking the launch of the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025, India’s most celebrated table tennis athlete Achanta Sharath Kamal revealed his retirement from the sport. This upcoming tournament, scheduled for March 25, will be his final appearance as a professional player, and Sharath aspires to motivate the younger generations and encourages them to step up and take on the substantial void his exit will create.
Kamal’s remarkable career is highlighted by 13 Commonwealth Games medals, including seven golds, two bronze medals from the Asian Games, and four bronze medals from the Asian Championships. No other Indian table tennis player has participated in the Olympics as many times as Sharath (5), culminating in the prestigious role of being India’s male flag-bearer at Paris 2024.
“The event in Chennai aims to motivate the future generations, and I hope we see large crowds supporting us, which will further enhance the popularity of Table Tennis. I’m optimistic that this will inspire and nurture young players, and perhaps someone will step into my shoes in the future,” Kamal expressed during an interview with IANS.
A 10-time national champion, he was the first Indian to claim an ITTF Pro Tour title, paving the way for Indian table tennis, and now he aims to replicate that success on home turf at the WTT Star Contender Chennai.
The 42-year-old athlete also discussed the increasing appeal of table tennis and expressed his desire to see fans come out for his final competition. “Table Tennis is gradually becoming a popular sport nowadays. Traditionally, it has been a lesser-known sport, but recently, players like myself, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula have achieved international accolades, resulting in a rise in the sport's popularity.
“We are gathered in Chennai, at the Nehru Stadium for the WTT Star Contender, showcasing some of the most thrilling talents in the sport globally. We are proud to represent the Indian contingent and hope to secure some medals,” he added.
Sharath’s final chapter as a professional will commence on March 25, as Chennai makes its debut as a WTT Star Contender venue, providing fans with one last opportunity to witness the legend before he bids farewell to the sport.
