Sharath Kamal announces retirement from the sport.

Tags: Sports

Why in the news?

• India's iconic table tennis star, Achanta Sharath Kamal, has announced his retirement from professional table tennis.

Important points:

• His final competition will be the WTT Star Contender event at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, scheduled from March 25 to 30, 2025.
• At 42, Kamal leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, with a career spanning multiple decades, including ten National Championships and five Olympic appearances.
•  His achievements on the global stage, including his stellar performances at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics, have made him one of India's most revered athletes. 

Career Milestones:

• In2019, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award. In 2022, he was awarded the Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honour.
• Five-time Olympian and India’s highest-ranked table tennis player, holding the world rank of 42 as of 2025.
• A 10-time National Singles Champion,cementing his place among India's most decorated table tennis players.
• Record-holder at the Commonwealth Games, with 13 medals from five editions, including gold in both men's singles and men's team events at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
• Claimedfour medals at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, including three golds and one silver.
• Reached his career-highest world ranking of 30.