Ace paddler Sharath Kamal has been appointed as the first Indian ambassador for the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation, a significant milestone for the sport in India. The announcement was made on Sunday during day 11 of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) season five at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
Sharath, a renowned figure in the world of table tennis, was elected to the ITTF’s Athlete’s Commission back in November 2022. This appointment recognizes his dedication and contributions to the sport. He received this honor in the presence of Her Highness Zeina Shaban, princess of Jordan and a two-time Olympian, and Vita Dani, Chairperson of the UTT. Both Shaban and Dani are board members of the ITTF Foundation.
“I am what I am because of table tennis. This is a great opportunity for me to give back to the sport’s community,” expressed Sharath, acknowledging the profound impact table tennis has had on his life and his eagerness to contribute to its growth.
Sharath, who proudly carried the Indian flag at the recent Paris Olympics, is currently captaining the Chennai Lions in the ongoing UTT season. He holds the distinction of being the most decorated table tennis player in Commonwealth Games history, with an impressive 13 medals, including three golds and a silver medal won at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
This ambassadorship is a testament to Sharath Kamal’s remarkable achievements and his unwavering commitment to the sport. It is expected to play a vital role in promoting and developing table tennis in India, inspiring a new generation of players to follow in his footsteps.
