In Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Andhra Pradesh, two brothers named Srinivasa Rao and Muralidhara Rao once developed a strong liking for Table Tennis (TT). They soon sought proper training and shifted to Chennai, aspiring to become well-known TT players. Both players advanced to the state level, and Srinivasa went on to coach at the national level.  During this time, he would often bring along his son to see the game. This young boy, Achanta Sharath Kamal, turned out to be the first Indian paddler recognized globally, the first to win international medals, and the first to train overseas and compete for a club.

Although India boasted a lot of outstanding athletes, it lacked worldwide presence. That’s when Sharath stepped in and changed the game when he first won the national championship in 2003. At the time, he was not content with it, deep down there was a storm telling him to go further and become the greatest in the world. Sharath had to figure out a way for himself, and he did.  Sharath represented the sport's past, present, and future in India for almost 20 years.

But now, the veteran paddler is pulling the curtains to his career at the WTT Contender Chennai, which is scheduled for March 25–30, the final event. "Life comes full circle," Sharath said, confirming his decision to retire from table tennis and announcing his intention to continue to be involved with the sport outside of the table.

Tennis Was in His Roots

Born on July 12, 1982, Sharath was a young lad who watched the sport closely from the sidelines. Sharath came from a sporty family—his father and uncle were both former athletes—and was engrossed with the sport from an early age.  But success did not happen right away. As a child, Sharath won the Tamil Nadu state championships for under-10, under-12, under-14, and under-17 teams.  He made the crucial choice to go from engineering to TT during this period.  Even though he performed well at the state level, it took him longer to win the national championship. He plays aggressively, but he also enjoyed trying new things, which led to a lot of losses.

His selection for a national training camp prior to the 2002 Commonwealth Games was a significant turning point. 

 

He shot to national prominence as a result of this publicity.

His first national championship, the first of a record ten, came in 2003, marking his breakthrough. He started his historic international career the next year when he qualified for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

With seven gold medals from various Commonwealth Games, Sharath remains to be India's most celebrated table tennis player.  He won gold in both the singles and team events at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, marking his first significant international victory.  Even though his form declined in the years that followed, he followed it up with two more golds in the 2010 edition.

A Turning Point in His Career

His career took a turn for the better at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where he won four medals, including team gold.  At CWG 2022, he maintained his supremacy by winning silver in doubles and mixed doubles and securing another gold in men's singles and team competitions.

Under his direction, India stunned Japan to win a historic bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. They then won another surprising victory in Jakarta, when they won mixed doubles bronze with Manika.

Sharath won two bronze medals at the Asian Games, where competition is fiercer from the presence of superpowers like China and South Korea. In 2018 and 2023, he further solidified his position as India's table tennis torchbearer at the continental level.

At the 2010 Egypt Open, Sharath became the first paddler from India to win a title on the ITTF Pro Tour.  He demonstrated his durability in the sport by winning another international title at the 2020 Oman Open, ten years after his first.

With 10 national titles, Sharath surpassed Kamlesh Mehta's previous record of eight, making him practically untouchable in domestic circles.

A Showdown With Ma Long

He had tremendous success at the Asian and Commonwealth Games, but he was never able to secure an Olympic medal. Sharath competed for India in five Olympic Games, from 2004 in Athens until 2024 in Paris.  When he met Chinese great and current Olympic champion Ma Long in the third round of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it was his most memorable Olympic moment.  After a fierce battle in which he even won a set against the renowned paddler, Sharath eventually lost 4-1.

In 2024, he made his final Olympic appearance in Paris, where he and PV Sindhu were honored to carry India's flag during the opening ceremony—a first for an Indian table tennis player.

A Victory Beyond Honors

Sharath Kamal has received numerous honors for his accomplishments.  For his unmatched accomplishments in table tennis, he was given the coveted Arjuna Award in 2004 and the Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honor, in 2022.

Beyond his honors, Sharath has had a huge impact on table tennis in India.  He inspired many young paddlers to pursue the sport, helping to shape the next generation of paddlers.  For the first time ever, India was able to secure a table tennis team quota at the Olympics due to his efforts.

A Torch Bearer for Others

Beyond his own accomplishments, Sharath Kamal's story serves as motivation for other athletes.  His career serves as a reminder of the value of tenacity, diligence, and a strong sense of self-worth.  Despite a number of difficulties, such as poor facilities and limited funds, Sharath's story serves as an example of how perseverance and enthusiasm can get beyond even the most difficult barriers.

His legacy is found in the innumerable lives he has impacted, not in the medals and titles.  Sharath Kamal is an inspiration to young athletes all around India, who find inspiration in his tale of perseverance and tenacity.  Future generations will benefit from his efforts in Indian table tennis, which have ensured the sport's growth and success.

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The story of Sharath Kamal is one of grit and success.  His incredible story of perseverance and hard work, from a small child with aspirations in Chennai to a renowned international table tennis player, is quite extraordinary.  Sharath has demonstrated through his hardships and triumphs that no dream is too large to accomplish with unshakable dedication and enthusiasm.  His narrative is a potent reminder that although the path to achievement is frequently fraught with difficulties, those who endure ultimately triumph.