For over twenty years, Sharath Kamal's world revolved around a strict, unyielding schedule. His days were defined by pre-dawn alarms, gruelling gym workouts, endless training sessions, and a relentless global tour of tournaments. When the celebrated Indian table tennis star finally decided to retire in March this year, the sudden emptiness that followed felt both strange and overwhelming.
The Initial Void After a Goal-Driven Life
The first few weeks post-retirement were particularly challenging for the 43-year-old from Chennai. His entire professional life was built on routine and clear objectives. "It was a tough period mentally because I always had a routine: Get up early, attend gym sessions, go for training and compete. My career was goal driven," Sharath revealed. The abrupt halt left him missing the thrill of major competitions where he had famously put Indian table tennis on the global map.
A family wedding in the United States during April-May offered a welcome and unexpected respite. It was his first real taste of a breather, allowing him to enjoy languid conversations, indulge in his favourite foods, and simply be present with loved ones. These were simple pleasures he had long sacrificed in his relentless pursuit of sporting excellence. With no professional commitments to interrupt, the five-time Olympian fully immersed himself in quality time with friends and family.
Transitioning from Athlete to Administrator
Sharath Kamal is not one to remain idle. The legendary player, a recipient of the Khel Ratna and winner of 13 Commonwealth Games medals (including seven gold) and two Asian Games bronze medals, is now passionately giving back to the sport that made him an icon. He has traded his familiar bandana, long hair, and jerseys for formal attire and a sharper look, diving headfirst into a new career as a sports administrator.
Currently serving as the vice-chairperson of the Indian Olympic Association's Athlete's Commission and co-chairing the ITTF Athletes Commission, Sharath is focused on developing table tennis in India. "We recently started the high-performance centre in Chennai with the Tamil Nadu govt as a partner. It has always been a dream – having a national training centre for table tennis. I hope this soon turns into a national training centre," said the ten-time senior national champion. He shared this during the launch of Jain Sports' partnership with Manchester City for a football school in Bengaluru.
Striking a New Balance
Alongside his administrative duties, Sharath is also mentoring young Indian paddlers like Manav Thakkar. He is consciously striving to balance his demanding new professional life with a more settled family life. "It's the beginning of a new career for me, and I'm happy that I'm able to spend a lot more time with my kids and my wife," Sharath stated, signing off on a note of contentment and optimism for the future.
The man who carried India's flag at the opening ceremony of the Paris Games last year has successfully navigated the difficult transition from athlete to administrator, ensuring his legacy continues to shape Indian table tennis for generations to come.
