India’s table tennis legend, Achanta Sharath Kamal, officially announced his retirement from professional play, marking end of an illustrious 22-year international career. The 42-year-old legend will make his final appearance at the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025, scheduled from March 25 to 30 at the Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai.
Achievements and Career Highlights of Achanta Sharath Kamal
International Career
- Represented India for 22 years in international table tennis.
- Made his international debut in 1999, playing at the Junior Asian Championships in Chennai.
- Earned his first national call-up just before the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
- Became India’s first-ever table tennis player to win an ITTF Pro Tour title.
Major Titles & Medals
Commonwealth Games (CWG) Achievements:
- 13 medals in five editions of the Commonwealth Games (CWG).
- 7 Gold medals, including the historic singles and team gold at Melbourne 2006.
- Gold medal in men’s singles at CWG 2006 – first Indian to win a CWG singles gold.
- Gold in men’s singles at Birmingham 2022, reclaiming his crown.
Asian Games & Asian Championships:
- Two-time Asian Games medallist – Bronze in men’s team & mixed doubles at Jakarta 2018.
- Four bronze medals at the Asian Table Tennis Championships.
- Led India to a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games, first in 60 years.
Olympic Participation & Records:
- The only Indian table tennis player to compete in five Olympic Games.
- Flag-bearer for the Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
ITTF Pro Tour Titles:
- Egypt Open 2010 – Defeated Li Ching (Hong Kong, China) in the final.
- Oman Open 2020 – Defeated top seed Marcos Freitas (Portugal) in the final.
National Achievements:
- 10-time Indian National Champion, the highest in history.
- Career-high World Ranking: 30 (2019).
Awards & Recognition
- Arjuna Award (2004) – For outstanding performance in table tennis.
- Padma Shri (2019) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2022) – India’s highest sporting honor.
Beyond Playing: Contributions to Indian Table Tennis
- Co-Chair of ITTF Athlete’s Commission alongside Chinese legend Liu Shiwen.
- Ambassador for the ITTF Foundation, focusing on grassroots development of table tennis in India.
- Played a crucial role in popularizing the sport and mentoring young players.