Sharath Kamal Eyes Future in Table Tennis Administration After Olympic Exit

Indian table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal reflects on his potential final Olympics and expresses intent to stay connected to the sport through administrative roles. Despite a disappointing exit at the Paris Games, Kamal remains optimistic about his contributions to the sport. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran discusses upcoming Asian Games preparations.

Veteran Indian table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal, who may have played his last Olympics, is planning to transition into an administrative role within the sport. Kamal faced a disappointing opening-round defeat in the men's singles at the Paris Games, losing 2-4 to Slovenia's Deni Kozul, and also lost 0-3 against China in the team event alongside Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar.

'I haven't yet decided on my exact path forward,' Kamal told PTI during the launch of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT). 'I plan to discuss my next steps with the federation and my family, but I will remain involved in the game, possibly in the federation or SAI.'

Reflecting on his Olympics experience, Kamal said, 'I have no regrets. I gave my all, knowing it was my last Olympic chance.' The UTT is seen as instrumental for the growth of Indian youngsters in the sport. Meanwhile, paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran emphasized the urgency in preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, highlighting the importance of upcoming events like the China Grand Smash and the Asian Championships.

(With inputs from agencies.)