File photo of Sharath Kamal.
Indian table tennis star Sharath Kamal was expected to announce his retirement plans after his fifth Olympic appearance, but the 42-year-old on Wednesday committed to another season on the professional tour. Sharath was on Wednesday named captain of the Indian men's team for the Asian Championships in Astana next month. Speaking to PTI, the Indian flag bearer at the Paris Olympics said he would also participate in the China Smash later this month before travelling to Kazakhstan for the Asian Championships that begin on October 7.
The top-ranked Indian, 37, also wants to play in the 2025 World Cup in Doha.
“For the next nine months to a year I would still be an active player. But at the same time I will explore options in IOC and ITTF. Back home in TTFI I would try to create a structure and bridge the gap between SAI and TTFI and bring more corporate sponsorship into the game,” the veteran said.
Sharath is the first Indian to be elected to the Athletes Commission of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). He is also a member of the Athletes Commission of the Indian Olympic Association and in the future he is aiming for a seat on the Athletes Commission of the International Olympic Committee.
He has ruled out competing in the 2028 Olympics, but the 2026 Asian Games remain a possibility.
“I would like to decide about the Asian Games next year. The body is holding up well after the Olympics. I have got some free time and UTT is in Chennai. I can now balance my personal life as well,” said Sharath, who is currently busy with Ultimate Table Tennis League.
Sharath and the Indian team did not have a great time at the Paris Olympics.
Sharath was quickly eliminated from the individual tournaments, while India, making their first appearance in the team championship, were unable to make much of a dent in the quarter-finals against a mighty China.
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