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Achanta Sharath Kamal, India's flagbearer for the upcoming Paris Olympics, is brimming with confidence as he prepares for his fifth Olympic appearance. The 41-year-old table tennis legend believes he is reaching new heights with each passing year and is determined to make his best performance yet.Despite a disappointing outing at the Asian Games last year, Sharath played a pivotal role in securing India's historic Olympic quota via world rankings. He attributes his success to his unwavering dedication and the guidance of his Italian coach, Massimo Costantini."I'm happy to be scaling new heights with each passing year, both physically and mentally," Sharath said. "I hope the best is yet to come."Sharath's Olympic journey began in Athens 2004, where he was a 21-year-old newcomer. Now, with four Olympics under his belt, he dreams of a podium finish in Paris."Back then, I didn't know what getting into the Olympics was," he said. "But I have built up into the player I am right now, and hopefully, in my fifth Olympics, I have a chance to get that medal."Sharath acknowledges that a podium finish will be an "uphill task," but he remains optimistic. He has implemented systematic training methods and undergone extensive sports science testing to optimize his performance."It's going to be very tough, but we are optimistic as well because with the kind of form all of us have been playing," he said. "The girls are going to go a long way in the Olympics, same for the boys. We want to do it."Sharath's unwavering determination and belief in his team make him a true inspiration for Indian sports. As he prepares for his fifth Olympic appearance, he is poised to make history and leave an unforgettable mark on the world stage.

Veteran table tennis player A Sharath Kamal expressed surprise and pride at being named India's flagbearer at the Paris Olympics, recognizing his years of dedication to the sport. The decision sparked controversy, with the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association expressing dissatisfaction.Kamal, 41, will become the first table tennis player to carry the Indian flag at the Olympics. He has competed in five previous Games and holds a record 10 national titles. At the Commonwealth Games, he has won 13 medals, including seven gold."I was pretty much surprised at first," Kamal said. "When I was the flagbearer at the Commonwealth Games, there was immense joy and so much pride. When it was announced first, it was a bit hard to believe because there are people like Neeraj Chopra who have won medals at the Olympics or who are expected to win... Beyond all of them, they thought about me."Kamal believes his selection reflects the recognition of his hard work and dedication to table tennis. "I do understand the thing behind that because of the timing of events for athletes. For me personally, getting there as a five-time Olympian, it really recognizes the toil I have done over the years not just for myself but also for the table tennis fraternity."Reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who won India's first track and field medal at the Tokyo Games, was widely expected to be named flagbearer. However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) opted for Kamal, citing his experience and contributions to Indian sports.The decision has sparked debate, with some questioning whether a non-Olympic medalist should be given the honor. However, Kamal's supporters argue that his longevity, consistency, and dedication to his sport make him a worthy choice.

India's table tennis contingent for the upcoming Paris Olympics has been finalized, with veteran Sharath Kamal and world no. 24 Manika Batra leading the men's and women's squads respectively. The six-member teams (three in each section) were selected by the senior selection committee of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) based on the latest world rankings.Sharath, Harmeet Desai, and Manav Thakkar will form the men's team, while Manika, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath will represent India in the women's category. G. Sathiyan and Ayhika Mukherjee will serve as alternate players in each section.In the men's singles, Sharath and Harmeet will compete, while Manika and Sreeja will represent India in the women's event. The selection was made as per the Olympics norms and the TTFI's pre-established criteria.Sharath, 41, will be making his fifth and final Olympic appearance in Paris. He made his Games debut in 2004 and has been a consistent performer for India over the years.The selection of the women's team sparked some debate, with Archana Kamath edging out Ayhika Mukherjee for the third spot. Kamath's higher world ranking (103) and consistent performances gave her the edge over Mukherjee (133).In the men's team, Sharath's top ranking (No. 40) ensured his selection, while Harmeet (No. 63) and Manav (No. 62) were separated by one slot in the world rankings. Harmeet's superior international and national performances earned him the nod over Manav.Massimo Costantini, a special invitee at the selection meeting, provided valuable inputs that aided in the team selection. Costantini will take charge of the Indian team for a third time next week.Alternate players Sathiyan and Ayhika will travel with the team to Paris but will not stay in the official Games Village. They will be available in case of an injury to any of the main players.

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman paddler to break into the top 25 of the world rankings. The 28-year-old rose to a career-best singles ranking of 24 following her impressive performance at the Saudi Smash tournament.Batra's journey to the top has been marked by determination and resilience. She began playing table tennis at the age of four and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a national champion at the age of 16. In 2018, she made history by winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in both the individual and team categories.Batra's success at the Saudi Smash was a testament to her hard work and dedication. She shocked multiple-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Wang Manyu of China on her way to the quarterfinals, becoming the first Indian woman to advance that far in the tournament. Her run in Jeddah earned her 350 points, propelling her up 15 spots in the world rankings.The ranking boost has come at a crucial time for Batra, who is aiming to secure a berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "An extreme confidence boost on the road to Paris 2024," she wrote on Instagram. "Breaking into the Top-25 and achieving the best rank ever achieved by an Indian in women's singles of the ITTF Ranking."Batra's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing strength of Indian table tennis. She has inspired a new generation of players and shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Indian athletes are embracing a new training strategy in preparation for the Paris Olympics, opting for short, objective-specific training camps abroad. These camps provide access to world-class facilities, sparring partners, and coaching expertise that are not readily available in India.Priyanka Goswami, India's leading race walker, has been forced to adjust her training plans due to visa issues. Despite the setback, she remains committed to her goal of competing at the highest level. Her training regimen includes stints in Switzerland, France, and Germany, where she will focus on improving her technique and endurance.Sharath Kamal, India's top male paddler, has also opted for an overseas training camp in Germany. The 41-year-old is seeking to sharpen his skills and intensity on the table in preparation for the Olympics. He believes that training with world-class players will help him identify and address areas for improvement.Other Indian athletes who have benefited from overseas training camps include boxers Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda, and Preeti Pawar, who spent time in Turkey sparring with boxers of varied styles. Wrestler Anshu Malik credits a month-long training stint in Japan for her technical developments.The primary benefit of these overseas camps is the opportunity to engage with quality sparring partners, especially in contact sports like boxing and wrestling. However, other factors, such as access to ideal training conditions and equipment, can also play a role.For Priyanka, finding flat roads for training in high-altitude places in India is a challenge. Hence, she has opted for a month-long camp in Switzerland's Saint Moritz. Sharath, on the other hand, chose to move to Germany because the tables and balls there mirror the ones at the Paris Games.These overseas training camps are a testament to the growing professionalism and dedication of Indian athletes. By embracing this new strategy, they are maximizing their chances of success on the world stage.

Manika Batra's stunning victory over world No. 2 Wang Manyu at the Saudi Smash tournament has sent shockwaves through the table tennis world. The Indian paddler's triumph marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian table tennis, challenging the long-held dominance of Chinese players.Before Manika's breakthrough, Indian players often faced a psychological barrier when competing against Chinese opponents. However, Manika's fearless approach and unwavering determination have shattered this perception. Her victory over Wang, who is considered a potential Olympic medalist, is a testament to the growing strength and confidence of Indian table tennis players.Manika's success is not a mere fluke. She has dedicated herself to rigorous training and mental conditioning. Her German sparring partner, Kirill Barabanov, played a crucial role in her preparation, providing tactical advice and emotional support.Manika's journey to the top has not been without its challenges. She has faced legal battles with the federation and endured a string of disappointing results. However, these setbacks have only fueled her determination. She has learned to manage pressure effectively and has developed a strong support system, including her coach Aman Baglu.Manika's victory is not just a personal triumph but also a symbol of the progress made by Indian table tennis. It has inspired a new generation of players to believe in their abilities and challenge the established order. As Manika prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, she is confident that she can continue to make history and bring glory to India.

Sharath Kamal, the 41-year-old Indian table tennis legend, has pulled off a stunning upset at the prestigious Singapore Smash tournament. On Wednesday, he defeated world No. 13 Darko Jorgic of Slovenia 3-1 (8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9) to advance to the singles Round of 16.Kamal, who is currently ranked 88th in the world, displayed remarkable resilience after losing the first game. He fought back to claim the next three games, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination. This victory marks a significant comeback for Kamal, who has faced challenges in singles competition in recent times.The veteran paddler has been working tirelessly in the off-season to regain his peak form. His goal is to excel at the World Team Championships, which offer Paris Olympics spots. While he contributed to India's team success at the World Championships last month, his performance in Singapore suggests that he is returning to his best.After winning three qualifying rounds, Kamal defeated Nicolas Burgos 3-0 on Monday. His triumph over Jorgic further solidifies his resurgence. With the team spot for the Paris Games secured, Kamal's singles revival could make him a contender for individual representation in Paris.In the women's doubles, Asian Games bronze medallists Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee suffered a 3-1 (4-11, 14-12, 3-11, 9-11) defeat to the Romanian-Spanish pair of Adina Diaconu and Maria Xiao in the Round of 16.

The Indian women's table tennis team displayed resilience and determination in their final group tie against Spain at the 2024 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Busan, South Korea. Trailing 0-2, the team rallied back to secure a 3-2 victory and advance to the knockout stage as the second-best team in Group 1.Ayhika Mukherjee, who had previously delivered a momentum-shifting win against Hungary, once again stepped up for India. Facing Elvira Rad in the crucial third rubber, Ayhika displayed her fighting spirit and emerged victorious with a 3-2 (11-8, 11-13, 11-8, 9-11, 11-4) scoreline.Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula then completed the comeback for India. Manika defeated Maria Xiao 3-0 (11-9, 11-2, 11-4), while Sreeja overcame Sofia-Xuan Zhang 3-1 (11-6, 11-13, 11-6, 11-3).The Indian men's team also secured a spot in the knockout stage, albeit with a less convincing performance. They defeated New Zealand 3-0 in their final Group 3 tie, finishing third with two wins and two losses.The Indian teams' quest for a team quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics, awarded to the quarter-finalists, continues on Wednesday. The women's team faces Italy in the Round of 32, followed by a potential clash with fourth-ranked Chinese Taipei in the Round of 16. The men's team will take on Kazakhstan for a place in the Round of 16, where they could face hosts Korea.Ayhika Mukherjee's consistent performances have been a key factor in India's success at the tournament. Despite being ranked 153 in singles, she has delivered crucial wins against higher-ranked opponents, including world No. 1 Sun Yingha.The Indian women's team's comeback against Spain showcased their mental strength and ability to perform under pressure. Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula also played their part in the victory, contributing important wins in the deciding rubbers.The Indian men's team, on the other hand, will need to improve their overall performance if they want to make a deep run in the tournament. They face a tough challenge against Kazakhstan in the Round of 16, followed by a potential clash with Korea, who defeated them 3-0 in the group stage.