Ranzi Sports

Sharath Kamal Says Emotional Goodbye as Manav Thakkar Makes History at WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025.

Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara Claim Women’s Doubles Title; Lim Jong-hoon and An Jae-hyun Secure Men’s Doubles Championship

Chennai, March 29, 2025: Indian table tennis icon Sharath Kamal emotionally announced his retirement from the sport after his loss to Snehit Suravajjula at the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, 24-year-old Manav Thakkar made history by becoming the first Indian male player to advance to the semifinals of a WTT Star Contender event.

In a thrilling conclusion to the day’s matches, South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon and An Jae-hyun claimed the Men’s Doubles title, triumphing over top seeds Tomokazu Harimoto and Sora Matsushima with a decisive 3-1 victory.

The Women’s Doubles Final was equally exhilarating, as Japan’s Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara overcame Shin Yu-bin and Ryu Hanna, clinching a dramatic 11-5 win in the final game.

As his participation in the tournament concluded, Sharath engaged in a spirited exhibition match against Egypt’s Omar Assar, marking his farewell.

He then addressed the audience with heartfelt remarks, expressing his desire to continue supporting table tennis from a different perspective.

“I have reached a point where I feel it is time to give back to the sport from the other side of the court. I believe I have fulfilled my role as a player and contributed significantly to my country. Now, I aspire to support the sport as an administrator, coach, mentor, or simply as a senior player.”