From Chennai to the world: Sharath Kamal's enduring impact on Indian Table Tennis

Indian table tennis will never be the same again.

Achanta Sharath Kamal, the player who carried Indian table tennis to the global stage, has announced his retirement from professional play. The WTT Star Contender event in Chennai, scheduled from March 25 to 30, will mark the swansong of one of India’s most celebrated athletes.

“I played my first international tournament in Chennai, I will be playing my last international also in Chennai. This will be my last tournament as a professional athlete,” he posted on his social media handle X (formerly twitter).

The WTT Star Contender in Chennai later this month will be my final professional event, after which I will continue to serve the sport off the table. As they say, life comes a full circle! 🙏🏽🏓 pic.twitter.com/sVcg0laXlC

— Sharath Kamal OLY (@sharathkamal1) March 5, 2025

Sharath’s journey began in the 1990s when table tennis in India was struggling for international recognition. He grew up competing fiercely at the national level and stepped beyond Indian shores. He became the first Indian paddler to train abroad and play for an international club, paving the way for future generations.

His list of achievements is unparalleled—seven Commonwealth Games gold medals, two historic Asian Games bronze medals, and five Olympic appearances.

More than the medals, Sharath will be remembered for his relentless drive, his ability to push boundaries, and his contribution to shaping the future of Indian table tennis.

In 2003, Sharath won his first national title and as they say- the rest is history.. He went on to become one of the most decorated table tennis players on global level.

The 42-year-old veteran played a crucial role in India’s qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. India achieved an unthinkable feat and qualified for the men’s team event. His performance at the Singapore Smash, where he became the first Indian male to reach the quarterfinals, ensured his spot in the squad.

Just take a glance at some of Sharath Kamal’s achievements

•Ten-time National Champion
•Seven Commonwealth Games gold medals
•Two historic Asian Games bronze medals
•Five Olympic appearances
•Padma Shri Award (2019) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award
•Khel Ratna Award (2022) – India’s highest sporting honor

Needless to say, Sharath’s influence extends beyond his on-table performances. He has been an unwavering mentor, guiding younger players like Manav Thakkar and Manika Batra.

Under his leadership, India clinched a historic bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games by stunning Japan, followed by another unexpected triumph—an Asian Games mixed doubles bronze with Manika in Jakarta.

His retirement comes at a time when Indian table tennis is stronger than ever. The new generation of paddlers is thriving, a testament to the foundation laid by Sharath over the past two decades.

Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) secretary Kamlesh Mehta acknowledged that while Sharath is stepping away from professional play, his impact on the sport will remain.

As Sharath Kamal bids farewell to competitive table tennis, his legacy is cemented in the history of Indian sports. He transformed Indian table tennis from an afterthought to a respected discipline on the global stage. His final appearance in Chennai, in front of his family, friends, and fans, will be a fitting tribute to a career that spanned more than two decades.