Why Archana Girish Kamath quit table tennis despite huge potential?

The 24-year-old had made her Olympic debut at Paris Olympics 2024.

Archana Girish Kamath has ended her professional career in the table tennis arena. The paddler has been one of the best young Indian paddlers and was part of India’s TT contingent at Paris Olympics 2024. Kamath will be looking forward to her career in academics as she will be pursuing higher studies.

The 24-year-old will be travelling to the USA to pursue a Masters degree in International Relations, Strategies and Securities from the Michigan University, according to a report in the Indian Express.

Indian paddler Archana Kamath has quit Table Tennis to pursue higher studies in the US!! 🏓The 24 y/o was part of India's #tabletennis team at #Paris2024 Olympics. pic.twitter.com/HYZxtWjPLS

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 22, 2024

Archana Girish Kamath had a stellar career and became the youngest player to win the U21 national title at the age of 14 years and five months in 2014. Four years later, she won her first senior championships and made history by finishing fourth in the Youth Olympics. She was the first Indian paddler to enter the semi-finals in the event.

What was the reason behind Archana Girish Kamath leaving the sport at her peak?

After the Indian paddler had made her decision to quit the sport, there were several reports of the star leaving due to lack of financial stability in the game. However Kamath later stated that she had gained a lot of support financially during her career and it was her passion for academics that led her to this decision.

The promising player had been involved with table tennis for over a decade and half. She has also been inspired by her brother Abhinav, who is currently working at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the USA. 

Also Read: Sreeja Akula achieves best-ever ranking by Indian singles paddler

Kamath’s coach, Anshul Garg was initially stunned by her decision. But he felt that she had already been prepared for it and respected the athlete’s decision. Her parents, Girish and Anuradha Kamath, both ophthalmologists, have also supported their daughter while shifting her career.

The fans will certainly miss Kamath especially during Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) where she had won the title with Dabang Smashers in 2018.

The youngster had been one of the rising stars in the sport and had a career best ranking of world No # 122. In 2022, Kamath was ranked World No # 2 in doubles alongside Manika Batra. During the Paris Olympics 2024 women’s team quarterfinals, Kamath was the only player to secure a win against Germany. She defeated world No #38 Shan Xiaona in four games.

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