Sharath's early training took place at a local table tennis club in Chennai. His father and uncle were both coaches, which greatly influenced his choice of sport. He currently trains with fellow Indian player Sathiyan Gnanasekaran in Chennai. This collaboration allows them to pool resources for better training.

Professional Achievements

Sharath has represented clubs in Germany since 2010, including Borussia Dusseldorf. His tenure in Germany has helped him understand the intricacies of table tennis. He has adapted to new techniques and maintained his competitive edge despite ageing.

One of his most memorable achievements was winning singles, mixed doubles, and team titles at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He also won India's first medal in table tennis at the Asian Games in 2018 and became the first Indian to win a World Tour event at the Egypt Open in 2010.

Awards and Honours

Sharath has received numerous awards throughout his career. In 2023, he shared the Sportsman of the Year [Racket Sports] award with badminton player Lakshya Sen at the Sportstar Aces Awards. In November 2022, he received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India.

He has also been honoured with the Padma Shri Award in 2019 and the Arjuna Award in 2004 for his outstanding performance in sports. Additionally, he was a flag bearer for India at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Injuries and Challenges

Sharath has faced several injuries throughout his career. Back and calf injuries forced him to withdraw from the 2023 Indian National Championships. In December 2021, he underwent surgery on a bone spur on his left heel. In April 2015, he suffered a torn hamstring that required surgery and kept him out of competition for eight months.

Personal Life

Sharath resides in Chennai with his wife Sripoorni, daughter Suyasha, and son Tejas. He is multilingual, speaking English, Hindi, and Spanish. He holds a degree in Accounting and Commerce from Loyola College in Chennai.

Ambitions

Looking ahead, Sharath aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and win a medal. However, he is also considering how much longer he will continue competing as his focus shifts towards his family responsibilities.

Other Roles

In November 2022, Sharath was elected as a member of the Athletes' Commission of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). He also serves as vice chairman of the Athletes' Commission of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Sporting Philosophy

Sharath's sporting philosophy is simple: "Aim high, and work towards your goals. At the same time you need to do what you love." This mindset has contributed to his longevity and success in table tennis.

As Sharath Kamal continues to excel in table tennis, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India. His dedication to the sport and ability to overcome challenges highlight his remarkable career.