Detroit, Aug 22: When did we last hear an Indian sportsperson, after excelling at the highest level, quits sports for academics?
Very difficult to recollect! Because such instances are very rare in India.
In a nation, where several youngsters dream of a bright future, a secured job, popularity, financial gains, name and fame through sports, someone taking the reverse route is hardly seen.
But India's top woman Table Tennis player, Archana Kamath has quit the sport after representing India at Paris Olympics 2024, to pursue her academics.
She has further clarified that it's not a decision taken for financial reasons. Because she did receive good support to carry on as a paddler. But it is totally for her passion for studying that she retired from competitive table tennis, she was quoted by a section of press.
Archana is in Michigan (USA) to pursue her higher studies. She was part of the three-member Indian women's TT team that created history by reaching the quarterfinal of the team event at the Paris Olympics. The other two players being Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula.
Archana was widely acclaimed for being the lone warrior in India's loss against Germany, winning the only match in the tie against a much higher-ranked Xiaona Shan.
Archana, the 24-year-old TT star, interacting with a section of press reportedly revealed that she had a wonderful 15 years journey in table tennis. She thanked her supporters, sponsors, coaches and all those who encouraged her to pursue table tennis and perform at the highest level.
Well, her quitting table tennis may not be a very good news for Indian sporting fraternity and fans. But Archana must be thanked for her contributions to Indian table tennis and should be wished best of luck for her future endeavours.
