Indian Table Tennis Legend Sharath Kamal Announces Retirement, Says Chennai WTT Contender To Be His Swansong

Achanta Sharath Kamal, the legendary Indian Table Tennis player, has announced that he will be retiring at the World Table Tennis Contender Chennai. The tournament will take place later this month, and it will be his final tournament as a professional table tennis star. Sharath Kamal will call time on his illustrious career, which spanned two decades.

Sharath Kamal Reveals WTT Contender Chennai To Be His Final Competitive Event 

The legendary Indian TT player posted a lengthy message and expressed gratitude to the fans and supporters who have backed him up throughout his career span. Kamal also mentioned that he would continue to be a part of the spot in a different capacity.

"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, not knowing it would become my longest-standing companion. Not saying I’m letting it go completely, but this is certainly the end for us on the big tables, in front of the big crowds. Time to give my bandana and racket some rest," Sharath Kamal posted on Instagram.

"And so, five Olympics later, 10 National Championship titles in hand, international medals, and the honour of wearing the India jersey for so long—it’s tough to imagine what life will be like when I’m not playing table tennis. But now, I must reimagine it anyway. It’s fitting that my journey concludes where it all began — at home. Therefore, 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!" Sharath Kamal's social media post further said.

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Sharath Kamal Leaves A Lasting Legacy Behind

Sharath Kamal has been a pivotal name in the sporting industry for his contribution to Table Tennis. He has won seven gold medals in the Commonwealth Games and two bronze in the Asian Games. An Olympic medal has remained elusive throughout his career. Sharath Kamal made his fifth and final Olympic appearance in Paris, France. He was the flag-bearer alongside Indian badminton star PV Sindhu at the opening ceremony.

Kamal is the world number 42 ranked TT player, and is the highest-ranked player in the International Table Tennis Federation standings.

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