The path-breaking twin medals at the Jakarta Asian Games made his case stronger for the prestigious Padma Shri award, feels paddler Sharath Kamal, who finally got lucky after finding his nomination being rejected on two previous occasions.
The 36-year-old, who had criticised the application process, said that the Padma honour is supremely special.
‘Right up there’
“It is my first civilian award, so it has to be right up there. I was out with friends when the news broke last night. My phone ran out of battery and it has been madness every since I got back home,” Sharath said.
It was tough to ignore Sharath this time, considering how phenomenal 2018 was. He guided the men’s team to a historic bronze at the Asiad with a shock win over Japan, ending a 60-year wait for a medal in table tennis.
Sharath and rising star Manika Batra then clinched a surprise bronze in mixed doubles to cap off a dream run at the games.
He now stands at a career-high 30 in the latest world rankings and broke Kamlesh Mehta’s record of most national titles by winning his ninth crown earlier this month.
“It feels great to get this recognition, especially when you look at others who have been named for Padma Shri. After two failed attempts, I was not sure if I would get it this time but considering the year we have had, anything was possible.
“Also, the entire application has become online and that has made the process more transparent.
“The fact that an athlete has to apply for it still remains but I don’t know if you can do it any other way,” said Sharath.