After more than two decades of redefining Indian table tennis on the global stage, Sharath Kamal Achanta has officially retired from professional competition. The 42-year-old legend concluded his illustrious career at the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025, bringing his journey full circle in his hometown.
A Fitting Finale
Competing before his family, friends, and fans at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Achanta demonstrated his enduring skill with commanding 3-0 victories over Anirban Ghosh and 10th-seeded Nicholas Lum in the early rounds. His singles journey concluded in the Round of 16, where he fell to his doubles partner Snehit Suravajjula in a close 11-9, 11-8, 11-9 match.
A Career of Unprecedented Achievement
Sharath’s remarkable career spans:
- Five Olympic Games appearances (2004-2024)
- 174 career events
- 19 combined ITTF World Championships and World Team Championships
- 13 Commonwealth Games medals, including 7 golds
- A Top 8 finish at Singapore Smash 2024
His journey began at age two when he first picked up a racket, eventually claiming his first Indian National Championship in 2003—a title he would win a record 10 times.
Olympic Journey
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. From a young hopeful in Athens to the respected veteran and flag bearer in Paris, Sharath’s Olympic journey mirrored India’s growing aspirations in table tennis on the global stage.
Global Impact
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Sharath’s international breakthrough came with gold at the 2004 Commonwealth Championships, followed by a historic singles gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. At Birmingham 2022, he delivered an exceptional performance with three golds and one silver, cementing his status as one of India’s greatest Commonwealth athletes.
He made history at the Asian level as well, leading India to its first-ever bronze medal in the men’s team event at the 2018 Asian Games, while also securing bronze in Mixed Doubles with Manika Batra. His achievement was particularly significant in a continent dominated by powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea.
On the ITTF circuit, he became the first Indian to win an ITTF Pro Tour title at the 2010 Egypt Open, later adding another title at the 2020 ITTF Challenge Plus Oman Open. He reached a career-high world ranking of 30 and notched victories over numerous top-20 players.
Beyond Competition
While his competitive career has concluded, Sharath continues to influence the sport as Co-Chair of the ITTF Athlete’s Commission alongside Chinese legend Liu Shiwen. He also serves as an ITTF Foundation ambassador, promoting grassroots table tennis development worldwide.
His family remains deeply involved in the sport, with his father, uncle, and brother serving as coaches who continue to mentor promising Indian table tennis players.
Though Sharath Kamal’s playing days are over, his impact on Indian table tennis will endure, having transformed the sport from one seeking recognition to one producing world-class competitors regularly on the global stage.