Achanta Sharath Kamal Prepares for His Final Showdown at WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025
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Synopsis
Achanta Sharath Kamal is set to conclude his remarkable career at the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025, showcasing world-class table tennis action with a record number of Indian participants and Olympic medallists.
Key Takeaways
- Sharath Kamal bids farewell to his career.
- WTT Star Contender Chennai runs from March 25 to 31.
- Record participation of 19 Indian players in the main draw.
- Prize purse of USD 275,000 and 600 ranking points.
- Major international players competing at the event.
Chennai, March 25 (NationPress) Indian table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal is poised to conclude his remarkable career in front of a home audience as the World Table Tennis (WTT) Star Contender Chennai 2025 kicks off. The competition, taking place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium from March 25 to 31, promises elite-level excitement, showcasing eight Olympic medallists and an unprecedented number of Indian competitors.
The event was officially inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, who unveiled the impressive WTT Star Contender Chennai trophy. Standing alongside him, Sharath Kamal, India’s most celebrated paddler and a beacon of inspiration for many, embraced the significance of this moment ahead of his last competitive outing.
Organized by Stupa Sports Analytics and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), the tournament boasts a prize fund of USD 275,000 and 600 ranking points, attracting 158 premier players from all corners of the globe.
Among the notable participants are elite athletes such as Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto (#3, MS) and Hina Hayata (#5, WS), who are leading the men's and women's singles brackets. Other Olympic medallists in the fray include Miwa Harimoto (Japan), Shin Yu-bin (South Korea), Cheng I-Ching (Chinese Taipei), Doo Hoi Kem (Hong Kong), Lee Eun-hye (South Korea), and Lim Jong-hoon (South Korea).
For Indian enthusiasts, history is being made as Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar enter as the top-seeded men’s doubles pair at a WTT Star Contender event, marking a first for the nation. Additionally, Diya Chitale and Manush Shah will lead India’s mixed doubles challenge as the fourth seed.
The participation from India has soared to new heights, with a record-setting 19 players earning direct entries and wildcards into the main draw. In total, 82 Indian paddlers (35 men and 47 women) will compete across all categories, representing a significant milestone for the sport in the country.
A historic 19 Indian players have received direct entries and wildcards for the main draw—the highest ever for India at this level. In total, 82 Indian paddlers (35 men and 47 women) will vie across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, setting a new standard for India’s involvement in international table tennis.
