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Indian table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal brought the curtain down on his illustrious career in an emotional farewell at the WTT Star Contender in Chennai on Saturday. The 42-year-old bowed out after a 0-3 loss to compatriot Snehit Suravajjula in the Round of 16 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking the end of a journey that spanned over two decades.
A pioneer of Indian table tennis, Sharath’s impact goes far beyond the scoreline. Seven gold medals in the Commonwealth Games and two Asian Games bronze medals later, it’s safe to say that Sharath has been a catalyst for Indian table tennis’s meteoric rise over the past decade.
His farewell match, played in front of his friends and family, was truly an emotional moment and a testament to his career. Though he couldn’t script a dream ending, the fact that he lost to another Indian youngster, who ironically partnered him in doubles at this tournament, just goes to show that he’s left the sport in good hands.
The final chapter to a storied career draws to a close 🥹
🙌 Thank you Sharath Achanta 🙌#WTTChennai #TableTennis pic.twitter.com/ZaFS8W3NRI
— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) March 29, 2025
More than his medals, Sharath must be remembered for how his drive and love for the sport constantly drove him to break the toughest of barriers. The younger players are now reaping the huge benefits of those barriers broken by him.
TTFI secretary Kamlesh Mehta said that while Sharath may be retiring from the sport, he has and will always support table tennis away from the table.
“As a player, his medals don’t do justice to the impact he’s had on the sport in India. He’s had to struggle to break barriers throughout his career, so he knows exactly what athletes go through. He deserved his role as co-chair of the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Athletes Commission since he has always looked out for players. I’m sure he has great post-retirement plans,” he told The Indian Express earlier this month.
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