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‘Despite winning numerous medals at the Commonwealth Games & Asian Games over the years, the Olympic medal has remained an elusive dream,’ Sharath Kamal wrote. read more
 "Sharath Kamal pens emotional note")
Sharath Kamal has featured in five Olympics; Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Reuters
India’s table tennis legend Sharath Kamal has confirmed that his Olympic journey has come to an end. Kamal, who was the flagbearer for India at the opening ceremony of Paris Olympics 2024, has far featured in five including Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024.
Achanta Sharath Kamal: Indian titan’s last rally at the Olympics
The 42-year-old exited the men’s singles event at Paris 2024 with a defeat in Round 2 against Slovenia’s Deni Kozul, while the Indian men’s team lost to China in the Round of 16.
“My Olympic campaign has come to an end, not quite as I had envisioned. Despite winning numerous medals at the Commonwealth Games & Asian Games over the years, the Olympic medal has remained an elusive dream. Starting with my first campaign in Athens 2004, I was ranked 171, the Indian men’s team was 36th in the world. Over the past 20 years, I’ve seen India rise through the ranks to 8th in the world as a team and 30th in my individual ranking. Contributing to this ascent has been a profound journey.” Kamal wrote on X.
My Olympic campaign has come to an end, not quite as I had envisioned. Despite winning numerous medals at the Commonwealth Games & Asian Games over the years, the Olympic medal has remained an elusive dream. Starting with my first campaign in Athens 2004, I was ranked 171, & 1/n pic.twitter.com/e3lbGEIAe9
— Sharath Kamal OLY (@sharathkamal1) August 13, 2024“I have had the honour of being the face of Indian table tennis since 2002, and my career has seen me amass over 60 international medals, including 13 from the Commonwealth Games and 2 from the Asian Games. My record-breaking 10 National Championships and representation in five Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2016, 2020, and 2024) are milestones that fill me with pride.
“While the Olympic medal remains a dream unfulfilled, my journey has been filled with dedication, perseverance, and immense support from my country and its people. I look forward to the next months, knowing that the sport I love continues to thrive and inspire.
“A big thank you to the Gov of India, Tamil Nadu State Gov, TTFI, UTT and my sponsors Indian Oil, Andro and Lakshya Sports Foundation.”
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English (US) ·