NEW DELHI: Indian table tennis player Archana Kamath has made the difficult decision to step away from elite sports to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at the University of Michigan.
This move marks a significant shift for the 24-year-old, who achieved notable success representing India at the highest level, including the recent Paris Olympics.
Despite her passion for table tennis, academics have always been a priority for Kamath.Her stellar academic record, including top marks in her 10th and 12th exams, reflects her commitment to education.
This dedication led her to pursue a Master’s in International Relations after completing her Bachelor’s in Economics. Now, she embarks on her second Master’s degree, driven by a desire to serve India in the realm of public policy.
“I have always liked studying, as much as table tennis. I had inquired about this course in Michigan last year as well but then we qualified for the Paris Olympics as a team for the first time, and I wanted to focus on that,” Kamath told PTI.
Kamath emphasized that her decision is not financially motivated, adding, “Now that the Olympics are done, I want to study more and come back to India after two years and serve the people in a different capacity. My decision has nothing to do with financial returns. I have got all the support I have needed while playing for India, which has been the biggest honour.”
While acknowledging the inevitable void left by leaving elite sports, Kamath finds solace in continuing to play table tennis recreationally in the US.
“The best thing about the Olympics was being with seniors like Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra. The environment was so good. I also got to meet Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. I made memories for life there. I have also loved fighting for my country and that is something I will miss the most. I hope to keep playing here (in the US),” she added.
Looking ahead, Kamath envisions a future contributing to India’s development through public service. Inspired by renowned economist Sanjeev Sanyal, she aims to leverage her academic pursuits to make a tangible impact.
This move marks a significant shift for the 24-year-old, who achieved notable success representing India at the highest level, including the recent Paris Olympics.
Despite her passion for table tennis, academics have always been a priority for Kamath.Her stellar academic record, including top marks in her 10th and 12th exams, reflects her commitment to education.
This dedication led her to pursue a Master’s in International Relations after completing her Bachelor’s in Economics. Now, she embarks on her second Master’s degree, driven by a desire to serve India in the realm of public policy.
“I have always liked studying, as much as table tennis. I had inquired about this course in Michigan last year as well but then we qualified for the Paris Olympics as a team for the first time, and I wanted to focus on that,” Kamath told PTI.
Kamath emphasized that her decision is not financially motivated, adding, “Now that the Olympics are done, I want to study more and come back to India after two years and serve the people in a different capacity. My decision has nothing to do with financial returns. I have got all the support I have needed while playing for India, which has been the biggest honour.”
While acknowledging the inevitable void left by leaving elite sports, Kamath finds solace in continuing to play table tennis recreationally in the US.
“The best thing about the Olympics was being with seniors like Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra. The environment was so good. I also got to meet Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. I made memories for life there. I have also loved fighting for my country and that is something I will miss the most. I hope to keep playing here (in the US),” she added.
Looking ahead, Kamath envisions a future contributing to India’s development through public service. Inspired by renowned economist Sanjeev Sanyal, she aims to leverage her academic pursuits to make a tangible impact.
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