It could be my last Asian Games: Sharath Kamal

Indian table tennis player Achantha Sharath Kamal on Monday said that this year's appearance could be his last in the Asian Games and he would like to fulfil his desire of winning a medal in the tournament.

"This could probably be my last Asian Game also; this could be the one or the next one. So, I would like to win a medal in Asian games. That is one desire which I have been having for a long time," Kamal said.

"I don't know...you never know maybe the next Asian games... Its four years down the line. Injuries are a major part of a sportsman's career these days and there are lots of other things which can happen. So, four years is a too long a period for you to guess," he added.

The 36-year-old hoped that Indian team would perform better this year as the table tennis contingent is pretty strong.

Kamal asserted that the team have prepared really well and their confidence level is high after performing well in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He hoped that out of this confidence, they would be able to win medals in the Asian games.

Reflecting on the pressure ahead of the major tournament, Kamal said that the team is used to this kind of pressure and they have to perform irrespective of the situation.

Meanwhile, Manika Batra, who clinched four medals in table tennis at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, said that she would give her 100 per cent in the Asian Games and the motive would be to win a medal in the tournament.

The 22-year-old admitted that the competition would definitely be difficult in the event but the team is ready to give their best and are hopeful of winning a medal.

Indian table tennis team never went beyond quarterfinals in the Asian Games and will be looking to improve their record in this year's event.

Asian Games are slated to take place from August 18 to September 2 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.