Could have played till 2028: Sharath

Indian TT ace hopes to become top administrator after retiring from professional circuit

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN @ Chennai

A SHARATH KAMAL is sure that he has enough untapped resources within himself to prolong his career for a few more years. "Perhaps, I may qualify for LA 2028 also," he says with a smile. "Go for the record of a six-time Olympian." The veteran table tennis player, in the December 30th night of his playing career, one day out from his final tournament on the pro tour, takes this daily on a whirlwind tour of his journey which began when he was three years old. Now, 39 years later, he has made peace with his decision. Excerpts from an interview.

On did you think you will be playing TT for a long time

Not even when I was 30 did I think I would keep playing till I was 43. When I was four, the assistant coaches would pick me up because I was smaller than the table. That was when I really started playing, one of the earliest memories I have. It was quite a routine back then. Only when I was seven or eight did I really grow a liking for playing the sport. I don't know if I enjoyed matches, though, because I had a bad temper. I would cry whenever I lost. One particular tournament, I went under the table and cried and I disturbed the schedule of matches. My father literally grabbed me from under the table (smiles). But the main decision—going professional—came when I was 14-15, around the time I was in class IX.

On you training three-year-olds in your Academy now & a nice circle being completed