When discussing the giants of table tennis, Achanta Sharath Kamal’s name stands out in India. He began his training at just four years old and has since won a remarkable 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games.
Sharath has also been crowned Senior National Champion ten times, a historic achievement in itself.
Born on July 12, 1982, in Chennai, Sharath inherited his passion for table tennis. His father, Srinivasa Rao, and uncle, Muraleedhar Rao, were both state-level players and coaches. This family background led to Sharath starting his training at an early age. Through hard work, he quickly mastered the intricacies of the sport. Although he excelled academically, Sharath ultimately chose to pursue a career in table tennis.
In 2002, Sharath was selected for India’s 16-member team at the Commonwealth Games, marking the beginning of his illustrious journey. He soon made a name for himself on the world stage, becoming the National Table Tennis Champion for the first time in 2003. He remains the only Indian player to achieve the remarkable feat of being a ten-time Senior National Champion. His first international medal came during the Commonwealth Games in 2004.
Sharath’s dominance at the Commonwealth Games is noteworthy. He has secured a total of 13 medals, including seven golds. His best performances were in the 2006 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he won gold in men’s singles. In addition to singles, Sharath has also contributed significantly to the country’s medal tally in doubles events.
The 2004 Athens Olympics marked Sharath’s first Olympic appearance. Over his career, he has participated in five Olympic Games and served as the flag bearer for the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics. For his significant contributions to table tennis, the Government of India has honored Sharath with the Arjuna Award in 2004, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2022.