Time to give my bandana, racket some rest! Table Tennis great Sharath Kamal to retire

Achanta Sharath Kamal, the Indian table tennis great with that trademark bandana, will retire from the sport this month. The five-time Olympian said the WTT Star Contender at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai from March 25 to 30 will be his final tournament.

The 42-year-old put out an emotional note on social media to say he was grateful for a career that made him 10-time national champion, in addition to international success, especially in the Commonwealth Games.

"Let's start 40 years ago, when I was two years old. That's when I held a racket in my hand for the first time, not knowing it would become my longest-standing companion.

"Not saying I'm letting it go completely, but this is certainly the end for us on the big tables, in front of the big crowds. Time to give my bandana and racket some rest," said Sharath Kamal.

Sharath Kamal is one of India's most successful table tennis players with seven gold medals in Commonwealth Games, including two singles successes. He is a recipient of the Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honour.

"Grateful beyond words-for all the joy, for all the love, for all the pain, for all the lessons, and for all the people this sport has given me. Every little piece will stay with me always.

"It's fitting that my journey concludes where it all began -at home. Therefore, the WTT Star Contender in Chennai later this month will be my final professional event, after which I will continue to serve the sport off the table. As they say, life comes a full circle," he posted.