At a special press conference inaugurating the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 on Wednesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, India’s most decorated table tennis player Sharath Kamal announced his retirement from the sport, declaring that the tournament which is slated to take place from March 25 will be his last as a professional player.
Alongside Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Govt of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Atulya Misra IAS, District Revenue Officer and General Manager (Admin) at Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), Thiru. V Manikandan, and Stupa Sports Analytics Co-founder & COO Deepak Malik, the Khel Ratna recipient, in an emotional message, said he had begun his career in Chennai and will end it here with the prestigious Star Contender serving as his swansong.
Competing amongst a roster of global stars, the WTT Star Contender Chennai, co-organised by Stupa Sports Analytics and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), will serve as a fitting farewell for Sharath, who has redefined India’s stature within the sport and inspired countless others. The Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee will be one of four players in the men’s singles leading India’s charge. Sharath will also partner with Snehit SFR in the men’s doubles, starting in the qualifying round.
“For over two decades, I have lived my dream representing my country, feeling the weight of the flag on my chest and giving my all on the table. It all started in Chennai in a small hall, with nothing but a racquet and a dream. I never imagined this journey would take me to places I had only dreamt of. This is it, this is the last time I’ll be stepping onto the court as a competitor: WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 will be my final tournament as a professional player,” Sharath said in a video message.
Sharath’s journey has been decorated with 13 Commonwealth Games medals, among them seven golds, and bronze medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships. No Indian table tennis player has graced the Olympics more times than Sharath (5), culminating in the honour of being India’s male flag-bearer at Paris 2024. A 10-time national champion, he was the first Indian to win an ITTF Pro Tour title, breaking barriers for Indian TT, and will now look to do the same on home soil at the WTT Star Contender Chennai.
“I couldn’t have done this all alone; to my coaches, my family, and most importantly, to you, the fans who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Thank you for every cheer, every chant, every message of your support. You have made this journey unforgettable. This is not the end, the game has always been a part of me, and I will always be a part of the game,” Sharath added.
Sharath’s final career act unfolds in Chennai, completing his journey. His legacy persists through Tamil Nadu’s grassroots programs and growing sports infrastructure, as noted by Mr Atulya Mishra, who praised the state’s rich table tennis heritage and the importance of WTT Star Contender Chennai, attracting top players from nearly 20 countries.
“Tamil Nadu is doing very well in table tennis; there are 3000 competitive table tennis players in the state, one of the largest numbers anywhere in the country. At the WTT Star Contender, we’ll have some of the best players from all over the world. The best players from India will be here. It will be a huge spectacle,” he said. “Our honourable Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are interested in building a very strong sports infrastructure here. We are also planning to put up a Centre of Excellence for table tennis with the help of Sharath.”
Sharath leaves table tennis in good hands, his farewell coming at a time when Indian table tennis continues to grow, with Stupa and UTT bringing world-class WTT competition to the country and UTT preparing for its sixth season, a league he has been part of since day one.
Speaking about the Star Contender, Stupa Sports Analytics’ co-founder Deepak Malik, said: “Hosting this prestigious event in Chennai is a moment of pride, as it will serve as a great platform for upcoming paddlers to showcase their talent on a global stage. We eagerly look forward to delivering a world-class tournament and witnessing the passion of table tennis fans who make the sport even more special. This is just the beginning of a strong partnership with SDAT, and we are excited for future collaborations that will further elevate the sport in India.”
Sharath’s final act as a professional will begin on March 25, as Chennai debuts as a WTT Star Contender destination, giving fans a final chance to witness the legend in action before he bids farewell to the sport.
