New Delhi: Indian table tennis great Achanta Sharath Kamal retired from professional tennis after suffering a defeat against Snehit Suravajjula in the men’s singles round of 16 clash at the WTT Star Contender 2025 in Chennai on Saturday, March 29. The defeat marked an end to Sharath Kamal’s illustrious career spanning over two decades.
Sharath Kamal lost 0-3 against Snehit, his doubles partner and a wildcard entry in the tournament. The 42-year-old gave his all in what turned out to be the final game of his career but ended up going down against young Snehit. Sharath Kamal had earlier announced that the WTT Star Contender 2025 in his hometown will be his final as a professional athlete.
A five-time Olympian, Sharath Kamal began his India career with the Commonwealth Games in 2002. He went on to represent India in five Olympics and as many Commonwealth Games. The 42-year-old retired as the most decorated paddler from India with 7 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games also with two bronze medals in the Asian Games.
Sharath was the first Indian paddler along with Manika Batra to clinch a medal at the Asian Games when the duo won the bronze medal in the 2018 edition in Jakarta. Sharath won his second bronze medal in the men’s team event at the same edition of the Games.
Right time to go: Sharath Kamal
The flagbearer of table tennis in India, Sharath Kamal won many laurels for the country at the highest level and has also mentored the next generation of TT stars in the country. The five-time Olympian, who was honoured with the Khel Ratna in 2019, said he made the decision to retire six months ago and felt it was the right time for him to leave.
“It’s the right time to go. I made this decision six months ago. So, of course, when you make that decision, then the mind also doesn’t work towards getting to that level. The way it has ended, I can’t ask for anything more,” he told the media after the final game of his career.
Sharath Kamal also expressed his desire to give back to the sport after enjoying an illustrious career. The veteran believes he can contribute to table tennis as an administrator, coach or a mentor to play his part in developing players for the future.
“I have done my part as a player, I felt I had contributed enough to the country as a player, and I want to contribute from the other side, as an administrator, or a coach, a mentor, or even as just a senior player,” said Sharath Kamal.
Indian table tennis great Achanta Sharath Kamal hung up his boots after suffering a defeat against Snehit Suravajjula in the men’s singles Round of 16 clash at the WTT Star Contender 2025 in Chennai. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
