The Child Within: Sharath Kamal Reflects on His Path with Young Athletes
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Synopsis
Sharath Kamal, the celebrated Indian table tennis player, recently shared his journey and experiences with young athletes at the Dream Sports Championship U-15 tournament in Chennai, where he emphasized the importance of nurturing talent through organized competitions.
Key Takeaways
- Sharath Kamal announced his international retirement.
- He shared his life experiences with young table tennis players.
- The tournament aids in talent scouting and development.
- He expressed a desire to help young athletes.
- Sahil Rawat and Divyanshi Bhowmick won their respective categories.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The renowned Indian table tennis player Sharath Kamal created a stir earlier this month following his announcement of international retirement.
At the Dream Sports Championship U-15 table tennis tournament held in Chennai, young competitors had the unique opportunity to meet their idol and participate in a masterclass led by him. During the session, the 7-time Commonwealth Gold medalist shared insights from his life journey.
"I could share my experiences as a school-aged player, which resonates with the kids, coaches, and parents alike. The session was fantastic, with numerous questions asked. Since we had kids from various countries, we discussed the unique challenges they face. Having played globally, I’ve learned that every nation has its distinct system and structure," stated the 34-year-old on the sidelines of the tournament finale at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
Sharath commended the tournament organizers for creating an event of this magnitude, explaining its significance in fostering talent and enhancing the scouting process.
"Tournaments like this simplify scouting. We can observe the children, get to know them better, and provide consistent guidance throughout the year. This tournament is the first of its kind that I have witnessed, and the concept is remarkable. I hope we can continue to expand on this in the future," expressed the Indian table tennis icon.
As he prepares for his final professional appearance at the WTT Star Contender in Chennai, he revealed his wish to relive his youth and benefit from tournaments like the Dream Sports Championship U-15.
“I long to be 15 again, to compete in this tournament and progress from there. Yet, the child within me remains eager to assist other children. I can see many pieces of a puzzle coming together here. We just need to align and connect them,” he added.
In the Boys category, Sahil Rawat from Chandigarh triumphed over Ritvik Gupta from Jammu & Kashmir in a thrilling seven-set match, claiming the tournament title, while Divyanshi Bhowmick from Mumbai secured a decisive victory in the Girls’ category against her West Bengal rival Shreya Dhar with scores of 11-5, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7.
