Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 27: Veteran Indian paddler Sharath Kamal has stressed the need for a structured system in Indian table tennis to ensure young talents make a smooth and successful transition to the senior level. Speaking to PTI Videos, the 43-year-old said that while recent achievements are commendable, consistent success will require long-term planning and support mechanisms.

"We can't rely on one-off stars; we need a structure that consistently produces champions," Sharath asserted. "There’s a lot of young talent, but unless we put the right systems in place, we won’t see junior champions turn into senior champions.”

India recently clinched three bronze medals at the 2024 Asian Championships, including a historic first in women’s doubles by Ayhika and Sutirtha Mukherjee, and a maiden bronze in the women’s team event. At the Paris Olympics, the women’s team made it to the quarterfinals, defeating world No. 4 Romania, while Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula reached the last 16 in singles.

Sharath, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Indian Olympic Association’s Athletes Commission, underlined the need to build a systematic talent pipeline. “Looking at 2036, we must start with kids who are 11 or 12 now. That’s how deep the planning has to go,” he said.

He praised the new Sports Bill for its athlete-centric approach. “Having athletes participate in policymaking marks a new phase for Indian sport. It ensures decisions are based on real experiences,” he noted.

On the bill’s anti-doping provisions, Sharath welcomed the move to hold not just athletes, but also coaches and officials accountable. “Often, the athlete is punished while others escape. That will now change,” he added.