Sharath Kamal interview: ‘I leave Indian table tennis in good hands, we need a clear monitoring process to ensure we grow as a team’ | Sport-others News

After an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Indian table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal played his final international match on Saturday at the WTT Star Contender in Chennai, bidding farewell on his home turf. In an interview with The Indian Express, the 43-year-old talks about the road ahead for him, what needs to be done to grow the sport in the country, and more.
Not really, not at all, actually (laughs). The tournament went fantastically well, especially in terms of performance. I’m still soaking in the moment. The farewell was nothing short of amazing. I don’t think it could have been any better, having done it here in Chennai in the presence of all my family and friends.
What’s next for you?
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I’ll take a short break for the next two months; I’ll be spending time with my kids, family and going on holidays. But after that, I’m looking at setting up a high-performance center, which I hope will eventually become a national training hub. There are multiple options, maybe as a high-performance director or an adminrative role in the ITTF. I just need to zero in with some clarity in my head. In the next two months, I will try and work that out.
Do you think you’re leaving Indian table tennis in good hands? What were the turning points that helped Indian table tennis rise on the global stage?
Absolutely, it’s in very good hands. The most crucial period was between 2016 and 2018. Before that, I was mostly alone on the international stage. But in 2016, we had two male and two female players representing India at the Olympics for the first time. That was a significant step. Then, in 2018, our performances at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games truly turned things around for Team India.
Sharat Kamal in action. (FILE photo)
Who are some of the young players India should rally behind?Story continues below this ad
Of course, there’s Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, Manav Thakkar, and Manush Shah. Then, we have young talents like Ankur Bhattacharjee, Taneesha Kotecha, Sayali Wani, and Pritha Vartikar. These kids are already doing well internationally. They just need the right system and support to transition smoothly to the senior level smoothly.
Our Indian players have caused a few upsets now and then, but what’s still missing for India to consently challenge the top nations like China and Japan?
The system and structure need to be in place. We have resources now, and support from the government and corporates is improving. But what matters most is using these resources effectively and having a clear monitoring process to ensure we grow as a team.
As you transition into an adminrative or mentorship role, what’s one major reform you’d like to implement?Story continues below this ad
I’d like all players to come together. Right now, everyone is following their own plans and tournaments. Massimo Costantini (national coach) has been trying to align things, and I’d love to ass him in making Indian table tennis stronger as a team.
Table tennis is growing in new pockets, for example, say Surat. What more can be done to expand its grassroots development?
We need a clear pathway: from grassroots to feeder levels and then to high-performance centers. Initiatives like U-15 tournaments are a step in the right direction. We need more workshops, player education, and structured coaching programs to build a broader talent pool.
Will analytics play a huge role, and can it give India an edge?Story continues below this ad
Very much. We analyse every match, tracking our opponents, refining our own techniques, and adjusting tactics. Analytics is an essential part of modern sports and we’re using it to help us get better.
TT players aren’t necessarily well-built or tall – lower center of gravity and all. Was being tall a disadvantage for you?
It helped me. I had better reach and could generate more power in my shots. So, it worked in my favour rather than against me.
You’ve been the pillar of Indian table tennis. How do you want to be remembered?Story continues below this ad
Honestly, I don’t have to try too hard. People already see me as the pioneer and pathfinder for Indian table tennis. I just hope the next generation keeps pushing the boundaries and achieves even greater heights.