Sharath Kamal: 'I Visit Temples And Churches To Be Myself And Find Peace'

You may know Table Tennis Olympic champion Achanta Sharath Kamal for his remarkable 23-year career, during which he has earned numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and Khel Ratna. As he recently visited the Free Press Journal, we took a moment to explore his spiritual side, noting that he recently immersed himself in the Ganga Aarti and took the holy dip at Haridwar.

"I do go to temples. We follow rituals at home as well," he began, opening up about how spiritually inclined he is. "I clearly understand that there's something beyond all of us. There's some energy. You can name it whatever you want," he added.

The sportsman shared with us that he finds peace and tranquillity at religious sites, describing them as places where he can connect within and have A meditative experience. "I like the peace in a temple or a church. I enjoy going there, sitting quietly, and just being by myself," he said.

He recollected the words of his uncle Muralidhar Rao, and said, "When I was younger, he’d say that energy or knowledge passes to all of us. The knowledge of table tennis has been able to connect with me very well. It’s also because I was able to connect with it, and I didn’t restrict myself. That’s why I was able to learn more and more about the sport, how to play, and kept going even at an age when people thought I should’ve retired".

Sharath officially announced his retirement from professional table tennis last month, though he feels the decision came about six years later than it should have.

Reflecting on his retirement and personal journey, he expressed, "There are certain beliefs every individual has. That’s how Sharath is outside the field".

These days, India is gaining popularity for its spiritual tourism, with events like the Mahakumbh Mela and Char Dham Yatra, drawing pilgrims from all over the world.

In March, Sharath, who represented India at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, witnessed the much-talked-about, goosebump-inducing Ganga Aarti — with golden flames lighting up the evening sky.

Along with thousands of devotees at the Ghat, he participated by gently reciting sacred hymns, following his Ganga Snan at the holy river, making it a truly blessed moment at the Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand.