"The Olympic medal has remained an elusive dream"- Sharath Kamal reminisces on his career in a heartfelt post after Paris Olympics 2024
Ace paddler, Sharath Kamal recently penned a heartfelt post after a disappointing Paris Olympics 2024 campaign. Sharath, who is a celebrated name in Indian table tennis, earlier announced his retirement from representing the nation after the Olympics.
Taking to his X account, 42-year-old Sharath posted a long note, reminiscing on an illustrious career. He expressed disappointment over his Olympic dream remaining unfulfilled. The paddler was unable to win an Olympic medal at the quadrennial event in his five attempts.
"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." Said Kamal.
The 42-year-old also termed himself the 'face of Indian table tennis,' saying:
"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 journey has been filled with dedication, perseverance, and immense support from my country and its people..."
Sharath Kamal concludes his international career on a disappointing note at Paris Olympics 2024
Sharath Kamal announced before the event that the Summer Games in Paris would be his last for the country. However, the star paddler would have wanted to bid adieu on a much happier note.
Sharath entered the Paris Olympics 2024 with the hope of winning India an elusive Olympic medal in table tennis. Unfortunately for him, that could not happen, as Sharath failed to win a medal in both the singles and team events.
The Tamil Nadu-born player suffered a first-round loss to Slovenia's Deni Kozul in the men's singles event. Sharath, also a part of India's men's team, lost the round of 16 match 0-3 to China in the men's teams event.
Sharath Kamal will be a part of the Chennai Lions team at the 2024 Ultimate Table Tennis competition, starting August 22.