Few names in Indian table tennis command the same reverence as Sharath Kamal Achanta. A beacon of inspiration, Sharath has been synonymous with the rise of Indian table tennis on the global stage. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, the veteran paddler has not only broken records, but paved the way for the next generation of Indian table tennis stars. Five-time Olympian Sharath Kamal, on Wednesday, announced that he will retire from professional table tennis after the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 scheduled from March 25 to 30.
From having first picked up a racket at the tender age of 2, to still being at the top of his game at the age of 42, his long journey has been remarkable. Sharath’s breakthrough moment came in 2003, when he clinched his first Indian National Championship title in the Men’s singles, a feat he would go on to achieve a record 10 times.
Sharath’s rise on the international stage began with a gold in Men’s Singles at the 2004 Commonwealth Championships. He etched his name in history with a landmark singles gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, ushering in an era of dominance at the Commonwealth level. In a fitting finale to his Commonwealth Games journey at Birmingham 2022, he delivered a masterclass, claiming three golds (Men’s Singles, Men’s Team, and Mixed Doubles) and a silver (Men’s Doubles). With 13 medals, including seven gold, across five editions, Sharath cemented his status as one of India’s greatest Commonwealth athletes.
He next set his eyes on making a mark at the Asian level, the continent which is considered the most competitive. With powerhouses like China, Japan, Republic of Korea and many others, it was always a far-fetched dream for India to win a medal. However, Sharath broke the shackles, leading the Indian Men’s team to a historic bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games, beating Japan enroute.
Not only that, he also won a bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles alongside Manika Batra. These medals were a statement to Asia and the rest of the world that Sharath and the Indian contingent were now a global force to reckon with. He also went on to win a bronze medal in the Men’s team and Men’s doubles at the 2021 Asian Championships in Doha, a bronze medal in the Men’s team event at the 2023 Asian Championships in Pyeongchang, and a bronze medal in the Men’s team event again at the 2024 Asian Championships in Astana, proving his mettle consistently.
Sharath represented India in a record 5 Olympic Games, beginning with Athens 2004 and finishing on a high at Paris 2024, where he served as the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the games. While an Olympic medal remained elusive, his ability to compete at the highest level for such an extended period speaks volumes about his constant ability to push his limits.
On the ITTF circuit, Sharath’s career was marked by several milestones. He was the first Indian to clinch an ITTF Pro Tour title when he won the Egypt Open in 2010. A second title followed a decade later, with a title-winning run at the ITTF Challenge Plus Oman Open in 2020. He achieved a highest world ranking of 30, and has been a consistent threat to the top 20 players of the world. Some of his notable wins include big names such as Chuang Chih-Yuan, Joo Sae-hyuk, Quadri Aruna, Marcos Freitas, Patrick Franziska and Darko Jorgic to name a few.
It seems fitting that he will end his career at the WTT Star Contender in Chennai, his hometown, where he first held a racket. In front of his friends and family, he will look to deliver one final performance, bringing an end to a remarkable four-decade journey. However, retirement is not the end of his association with the sport.
Beyond his achievements on the table, Sharath has also been playing a crucial role in shaping the governance of the sport. Serving as the Co-Chair for the ITTF Athlete’s Commission since 2022 alongside Chinese legend Liu Shiwen, he is working closely with the ITTF and his fellow players, acting as a bridge between both to improve the welfare of table tennis players worldwide. He is also an ambassador for the ITTF Foundation since 2024, where he champions the development of grassroots level table tennis in India and around the world in a sustainable manner.
He and his family are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian table tennis at the elite level. His father, uncle, and brother, all exceptional coaches, have not only mentored Sharath himself but continue to guide numerous promising Indian table tennis players.
Sharath Kamal’s impact on Indian table tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary. When he began his journey, the sport in India was still striving for global recognition. Today, his immense contributions have laid a robust foundation, with young players consistently making waves on the ITTF circuit.
His enduring longevity, unyielding consistency, and deep passion for the game have ignited the ambitions of a new generation of Indian paddlers, inspiring them to chase greater heights. While his departure leaves a void that seems insurmountable, his legacy stands tall—an icon for paddlers in India and across the globe, urging them to dream beyond boundaries and redefine possibilities. The story of Indian table tennis will forever carry his indelible imprint.