‘It Wasn’t Financial But Passion For…’: Archana Kamath Reveals Real Reason Behind Quitting

Rising India table tennis star Archana Kamath left everyone in shock by deciding to quit the sport at a young age. She recently was part of India’s TT team that created history by making it to the quarterfinals of women’s event at the Paris Olympics.

In the quarters clash with Germany, India lost 1-3 to Germany with Archana being the only one to secure a win against much higher ranked opponent Shan Xiaona.

Her decision led to speculations that it might have to do with the financial aspect of the game but the 24-year-old has rejected it saying her passion for studies is the reason why she’s bid goodbye to the sport at such a young age.

“If I have retired from competitive table tennis, it is only and only because of my passion for academics,” Archana was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

“Having been the recipient of extraordinary support, including financial, I can confidently say, that it wasn’t in any way a financial decision,” she said.

Archana has had an excellent academic record — she secured 98.7 and 97 per cent marks in her 10th and 12th Board exams, respectively. She’s currently studying in Michigan.

This will be her second Master’s degree as she has already completed her post-graduation in International Relations. She has a Bachelor’s degree in economics and plans to return to India after two years and serve the nation, probably as an economist.

“I have had a wonderful 15 years with table tennis, and there is no greater honour than getting an opportunity to give my best for my country. The last thing I want to do is pull people away from table tennis. It is an amazing sport that I have had the privilege of playing for a long time and my love for it continues,” she said.

Archana says she has no qualms with regards to the support she received to live her dream of playing table tennis professionally.

“I have received extraordinary support, and I neither have the right nor inclination to complain on that front – doing so would be extremely unfair to the athletes who have really struggled for want of support,” she said.