The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu honoured its table tennis stars who had a brilliant run at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in a function held at the Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. India’s No.1, Achanta Sharath Kamal, as expected, led the TN brigade with a memorable outing in Delhi. Sharath clinched gold in doubles and bronze in the singles and team event. Sharath’s state-mates A. Amalraj and R. Abhishek were also a part of the bronze-winning team. The other TN star, K. Shamini, played a pivotal role in the women’s team that churned out a silver-winning performance in the team event.
Sharath and Amalraj, the first and second seeded Indians respectively, were unavailable to attend the gathering due to international assignments. Abhishek and Shamini were present. The duo exuded confidence ahead of the Asian Games to be held next month. “I would like to give it my best shot. I am happy with my form and would like to keep the momentum going,” said Shamini.
“I feel honoured and proud as this is my first medal at such a high profile event. I am playing my best at the moment and would like to continue the good form,” added Abishek. Team analyst Rajath Kamal, who is also Sharath’s brother, SDAT-AKG coaches — A. Srinivasa Rao and A. Muralidhara Rao — and G. Jagannath (manager) were also felicitated.
D.V. Sundar, secretary of TNTTA, G. Ravikumar, president SDAT-AKG TTDC, R.S. Munirathinam, chairman of RMK Groups, M.V.M. Velmurugan, ceo of Velammal Education Trust, J. Selvakumar, secretary of MDTTA, and TNA AA president W.I. Dawaram were also present.