Sharath Kamal withdraws from National Championship due to back pain

Defending champion Achanta Sharath pulled out of the men’s singles event of the 84th UTT Inter-State Senior National Table Tennis Championship due to back and calf problems here on Saturday. Sharath’s last-minute withdrawal came as a blow to the organizers and the local audience. Sharath has been battling a back and calf muscle strain for the last two months. However, his absence will benefit former national champion G Sathiyan, who is looking for a second title. 10-time national champion Sharath said he will have to continue his rehab program and be cautious ahead of the World Championships in Durban in May. He said in the release, “My focus is on the World Championship to be held in the last week of May and I want to prepare well for the big tournament. Most importantly, I don’t want to add to my problem. I will rehab and focus on the Durban World Championship.