Panaji, Goa: Five-time Olympian and Indian table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal believes India possesses some of the world’s finest junior talent, but emphasised that the country’s future success depends on ensuring these young players make a smooth transition into senior-level competition.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Dream UTT Juniors Season 2 Finals at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, Sharath reflected on the remarkable progress Indian table tennis has made over the past two decades.
“For me, how I see it is, from my younger days to what has changed now, especially in the juniors—Under-19, Under-17, Under-15 and Under-13—we are among the best in the world. We’ve had world number ones, Asian Youth Championships medallists and World Youth Championships medallists. The next challenge is ensuring these juniors become the best in the world at the senior level,” he said.
Sharath highlighted that India now has nearly five players ranked inside the world’s top 50—an achievement that demonstrates the country’s growing strength in the sport.
Eyes on the Asian Games
The former Asian Games bronze medallist expressed confidence that India can improve upon its previous performances at the continental event.
“In 2018 we returned with two bronze medals. This time, I would love to see a silver, if not a gold. Winning a gold medal in table tennis at the Asian Games is almost equivalent to winning Olympic gold because Asia is the powerhouse of world table tennis,” he said.
Sharath pointed out that India’s men’s doubles, mixed doubles and women’s doubles teams all possess medal-winning potential if they perform to their capabilities.
Goa Emerging as a Table Tennis Hub
The veteran paddler also praised Goa for successfully hosting both Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 and the Dream UTT Juniors Season 2 Finals, saying the state has become one of India’s leading destinations for the sport.
He recalled Goa’s successful hosting of the WTT Star Contender events, where several of the world’s leading players, including top Chinese paddlers, competed.
“It has been wonderful playing in Goa. The fans have come out in large numbers, creating an exciting atmosphere. I’d love to keep coming back,” he said.
Sharath added that hosting premier tournaments provides young players with valuable inspiration, allowing them to watch India’s top stars compete from close quarters.
Investing Beyond Events
While appreciating Goa’s infrastructure and organisation, Sharath stressed that sustained investment in grassroots coaching programmes, regular competitions and structured player development pathways would be key to producing future national-level players.
He noted that international-standard facilities, enthusiastic fans and strong institutional support provide Goa with an excellent foundation to become one of India’s premier table tennis centres.
According to Sharath, maintaining the momentum created by hosting major international tournaments will help build a lasting legacy for the sport in Goa while strengthening India’s overall table tennis ecosystem.
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