India’s ace table tennis player, Sharath Kamal, won four medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, including three golds and one silver. He made his debut at a CWG appearance in 2006, where he won two gold medals.
Since his homecoming, he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and respect. The 40-year-old has proven that age is just a number with his performance. He is also happy to have been the flag bearer at the games’ closing ceremony.
“When you perform well for your country, it gives you the satisfaction that you’ve made people around you proud. Seeing their joy, it feels as if I’m one of their family, “says Kamal.”
Sharath considers his three gold and one silver medal from the CWG to be his “greatest performance” in his career. The paddler says, “I don’t have to say anything about age being just a number, because I am proving it through my actions!” My last two weeks were my best two weeks of performance in my career. It takes a lot of decision-making and dedication, as a lot of youngsters are coming up and the game is constantly evolving. Adapting to these changes has been paramount for me. “
Sharath has been performing on the largest platforms for numerous years and refuses to let the pressure get to him. He talks about how the practice has been a key and there have been times when he lost games. According to the Chennai-based athlete, worrying about the past and future grabs focus from the present.
Playing 12 matches in three days proved that Kamal is still physically and psychologically fit at the age of 40. He refuses to rest on his laurels and hopes to compete in the Olympics in Paris in 2024.
When asked if Sharath would consider repeating his CWG performance four years later, he said that right now he is focusing on the 2024 Paris Olympics. The veteran further said that he will begin his preparation soon. He will also take part at many international events to keep himself in a flow.
Read Also – India wins Gold in TT mix double in CWG
