India’s Table Tennis Icon Sharath Kamal Named ITTF Foundation Ambassador

During the 11th day of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) season five at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, a significant announcement echoed through the table tennis community. Sharath Kamal, India’s ace paddler, was named the first Indian ambassador of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation.

Distinguished Attendees

The announcement was made in the presence of two notable figures:

1. Her Highness Zeina Shaban: Princess of Jordan and a two-time Olympian
2. Vita Dani: Chairperson of the UTT

Both Shaban and Dani serve as board members of the ITTF Foundation, lending additional weight to the ceremony.

Sharath Kamal: A Career of Distinction

Olympic Representation

Sharath’s appointment comes on the heels of several career milestones:

• Five-time Olympian
• Male flag-bearer for India at the recent Paris Olympics

ITTF Involvement

This is not Sharath’s first engagement with the ITTF:

• Elected to the ITTF’s Athlete’s Commission in November 2022

Commonwealth Games Success

Sharath’s achievements extend beyond Olympic participation:

• Holds the record for the most medals in table tennis in Commonwealth Games history
• 13 medals in total, including: 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal (clinched at the 2022 Birmingham Games)

The Ambassadorial Role

ITTF’s Approach

The ITTF reached out to Sharath last week regarding this prestigious position.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Sharath provided insight into what his role might entail:

• Some travel will be involved
• Attendance at events as an ambassador
• Playing table tennis in a promotional capacity

He emphasized the distinction between developing table tennis as a sport and using table tennis as a tool for broader development.

Sharath’s Commitment to Social Development

Pre-Covid Initiatives

Even before this appointment, Sharath was involved in social development through table tennis:

• Collaborated with Madras Seva Sadan
• Taught table tennis to children of daily-wage laborers
• Aimed to provide these children with a “sense of direction” in life

This experience aligns well with his new role as an ITTF Foundation ambassador.

Current Sporting Engagements

Ultimate Table Tennis Season 5

While celebrating his new role, Sharath is currently engaged in competitive play:

• Captain of the Chennai Lions in the ongoing UTT season

The Significance of Sharath’s Appointment

For Indian Table Tennis

• Elevates India’s profile in the global table tennis community
• Potentially opens doors for more Indian involvement in international table tennis development

For the ITTF Foundation

• Gains a highly experienced and respected figure as an ambassador
• Leverages Sharath’s extensive experience both on and off the table

For Grassroots Development

• Sharath’s experience with social initiatives can inform and enhance the ITTF Foundation’s developmental programs
• Potential for increased focus on using table tennis as a tool for social change in India and beyond.