Five-time Olympian Sharath Kamal recounts his humble beginnings working as a railway TTE in Madras before conquering the world of table tennis.

  • Sharath Kamal previously served as a Railway TTE at Mambalam station in Madras.
  • He attributes much of his success to Chennai's thriving club culture and training environment.
  • He is now focused on grooming future talent through a High Performance centre in Melkottaiyur.

The journey of Sharath Kamal, one of India's most decorated table tennis players, reads like a cinematic masterpiece. In a recent conversation with Srinivasa Ramanujam at the 'Madras Musings' event, the five-time Olympian opened up about his life before the global limelight, revealing a past that many would find hard to believe.

Before becoming a household name in international sports, Kamal worked as a Railway TTE at the Mambalam station in Madras. Drawing a parallel to the biopic of cricket legend MS Dhoni, Kamal shared how deeply the film resonated with him. "There is a scene where the protagonist sits on a bench, watching trains go by and wondering about his life. I have sat in Madras stations exactly like that," he reminisced.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Kamal's trajectory is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of regional sporting ecosystems. His story highlights how local club cultures can produce world-class athletes, even when the individuals themselves face significant socio-economic hurdles.

"My unfulfilled dream was to win an Olympic medal for India, but I hope the younger generation achieves that through the training we provide."

Kamal’s roots are deeply embedded in the city of Chennai. From cycling between Choolaimedu and Mylapore for practice to studying at Loyola College, his development was shaped by the city's competitive yet supportive sporting community. He emphasized that the club culture in Chennai focused on holistic growth rather than just individualistic gains.

Even during his extensive training stints in Europe, particularly in Germany, Kamal remained a proud Chennaiite, often longing for the city and his mother's home-cooked meals. This emotional connection to his roots has fueled his desire to give back to his home state.

Now retired from professional play, Kamal is transitioning into a mentor role. He is actively involved in developing a High Performance centre at Melkottaiyur, a facility designed to identify and nurture the next generation of Indian table tennis champions, ensuring his legacy continues through his students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was Sharath Kamal's profession before table tennis?
Answer: He worked as a Railway Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Mambalam station in Madras.

Question 2: Where is the new High Performance centre located?
Answer: The training facility dedicated to grooming future champions is located in Melkottaiyur.

Did You Know?: Sharath Kamal is a five-time Olympian, making him one of the most experienced table tennis players in Indian history.