Better late than never: Table Tennis superstar Sharath Kamal after winning Khel Ratna award aged 40

India’s table tennis superstar Sharath Kamal said it is better late than never after winning the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. The 40-year-old received the award in recognition for his exploits at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where he won four medals for India.

Kamal awarded Khel Ratna at the age of 40 (PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: India’s table tennis superstar Sharath Kamal said it is better late than never after winning the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. The 40-year-old received the award in recognition for his exploits at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where he won four medals for India.

Speaking to PTI, Kamal said that it’s a really proud moment for him, insisting it is better late than never.

“It’s a really proud moment. At this age getting this award, inspiring so many millions across different sports is really wonderful. It’s come pretty late in my career but better late than never,” said Kamal.

The table tennis star went on to thank his coaching and support staff, saying his rise after returning from injury has been consistent.

“For the amount of sacrifice and the work I have put in, especially post-2015 the second stage of my career — the Sharath Kamal 2.0 post the hamstring injury, the rise has been consistent and growing exponentially. I am really happy and I would like to thank my coaches and my support staff,” Kamal added.

The 40-year-old said he is looking forward to the Paris Olympics and aims to win another medal for India in table tennis.

“I am looking forward to the Paris Olympics and this will really encourage me. Of course, the CWG and Tokyo have given me the right direction to get into Paris, and hopefully, a medal there will be the best thing that can happen to any sportsperson’s life,” said Kamal.

Finally, Kamal said his sporting journey has been long and tedious, insisting that he is really enjoying it now.

“The journey has been really long and tedious and I am really enjoying it now. The fact that only one Khel Ratna is given this year without a doubt in the committee, I really felt proud of that decision,” Kamal added.

Besides the Khel Ratna, the awards committee also recommended 25 athletes for this year’s Arjuna awards.