PADDLE TIME

The new guard of Indian table tennis is making its presence felt

- Shail Desai

It was the pre-quarterfinal at the WTT Star Contender Chennai in March and instead of celebrating his win Snehit Suravajjula simply stepped aside after the match. It was a moment to cherish for his defeated opponent, celebrated Indian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal, as he called time on his glorious two-decade-long career. When they later teamed up in the doubles to make the semi-final, it was symbolic of the past and present of Indian table tennis coming together for an encore. "It was an honour to play against him as well as partner him in his final tournament. I've grown up watching Sharath anna, trained with him and reached out to