India’s women’s table tennis team made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time ever. However, their journey ended with a 1-3 loss to Germany, with Archana Kamath being the only Indian paddler to win a game.
Despite the historic achievement, Kamath has decided to retire from professional table tennis to pursue her studies abroad. The decision came after a candid conversation with her coach, Anshul Garg, who acknowledged the challenges of winning an Olympic medal in the future.
Kamath’s selection for the Paris Olympics had sparked controversy, but she proved her worth by helping India secure their only victory against Germany. However, the lack of financial sustainability in table tennis, coupled with her desire for academic excellence, led her to make the difficult decision to retire.
Kamath’s father, Girish, expressed his support for his daughter’s choice, emphasizing her academic achievements and her dedication to table tennis. He stated that she had no regrets about her decision.
Kamlesh Mehta, secretary of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), acknowledged the growing corporate support for table tennis but admitted that the sport still faces challenges in providing a sustainable livelihood for players.
Garg echoed Mehta’s sentiments, highlighting the need for a system that supports upcoming players financially. He believes that Kamath’s decision is understandable given the current state of the sport.
