Table tennis legend Sharath Kamal announces retirement from professional sport
What's the story
India's most celebrated table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal has announced his retirement from professional sports.
The 42-year-old, who has been a stalwart in the sport for over two decades, will retire after competing in the WTT Contender tournament in Chennai later this month.
The tournament will be held from March 25 to March 30.
Here's more.
Early life
A journey that began at two years of age
Kamal started his table tennis journey at the tender age of two, a passion he honed over the years.
He expressed this feeling on social media, saying, "Let's start 40 years ago, when I was two years old. That's when I held a racket in my hand for the first time."
His retirement brings an end to an era of Indian table tennis.
Accomplishments
A career filled with accolades and achievements
Kamal's illustrious career boasts of an impressive 10 National Championship titles and seven Commonwealth Games gold medals. He has also won two Asian Games medals and four Asian Championships medals.
His last international tournament will take place in Chennai, the city where his journey started.
"I played my first international tournament in Chennai, I will be playing my last international also in Chennai," he said.
Reflection
Kamal expresses gratitude for his table tennis journey
In a heartfelt message, Kamal thanked the sport for everything he experienced and learned in his career.
He wrote, "Grateful beyond words for all the joy, for all the love, for all the pain, for all the lessons."
He also spoke about what he looks forward to in life after table tennis: "It's tough to imagine what life will be like when I'm not playing table tennis. But now, I must reimagine it anyway."
Next steps
Kamal's future plans post-retirement
Post-retirement from professional play, Kamal intends to remain associated with the sport off the table.
He is currently the vice chairperson of the Indian Olympic Association's athletes commission. He is also the co-chair of the International Table Tennis Federation's Athletes Commission and has proposed a TT Academy in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority at Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University in Melakottaiyur.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
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