In a significant milestone for Indian sports, Sharath Kamal, the celebrated table tennis player, has been appointed as the first Indian ambassador of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation. The announcement was made during the ongoing Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) season five at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marking a proud moment for Indian table tennis.
A Legacy of Excellence
Sharath Kamal’s appointment is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the sport, both on and off the table. A five-time Olympian, Sharath was elected to the ITTF’s Athlete’s Commission in November 2022. His new role as an ambassador aligns with his longstanding commitment to promoting table tennis at the grassroots level. The appointment was made in the presence of prominent figures, including Her Highness Zeina Shaban, Princess of Jordan, and Vita Dani, Chairperson of UTT, both of whom are also board members of the ITTF Foundation.
Table Tennis for Development
As an ambassador, Sharath will focus on leveraging table tennis as a tool for development. He has already been involved in initiatives aimed at teaching the sport to underprivileged children. Before the pandemic, he worked with the Madras Seva Sadan, helping children of daily-wage laborers find a “sense of direction” through table tennis. Speaking about his new role, Sharath emphasized the importance of using the sport for development, stating, “The ‘for development’ aspect makes a lot of difference.”
Challenges on the Court
Despite his new responsibilities, Sharath remains active in the competitive table tennis scene. He is currently captaining the Chennai Lions in the UTT. However, the season has proven to be challenging for the team. Reflecting on the season, Sharath acknowledged the difficulties faced, particularly the pressure from close losses, but expressed hope for better outcomes in upcoming matches.
A Record-Breaking Career
Sharath Kamal’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. He holds the record for the most medals in Commonwealth Games history for table tennis, with a total of 13 medals. His impressive haul includes three golds and a silver from the 2022 Birmingham Games, further solidifying his status as a legend in the sport.
The Road Ahead
With his appointment as the ITTF Foundation’s first Indian ambassador, Sharath Kamal is set to continue his journey of promoting and developing table tennis, not just in India but globally. His leadership both on and off the court serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and highlights the role sports can play in societal development.
This new chapter in Sharath Kamal’s career underscores his enduring passion for table tennis and his dedication to using the sport as a vehicle for positive change.
