[WATCH] Sharath Kamal and G Sathiyan engage in intense practice match ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

Indian paddlers Sharath Kamal and G Sathiyan are leaving no stone unturned as they engaged in a rigorous practice match as a part of their preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Sharath Kamal has been a veteran of Indian table tennis and is set to feature in his fifth Olympics in Paris, which will also be his last. The 42-year-old has been named as the flag bearer for the Indian team alongside PV Sindhu during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024.

In a recent video shared by Sharath on Instagram, he can be seen engaging in an intense and high-energy practice match against G Sathiyan, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and will serve as a reserve player for the Indian table tennis squad in Paris.

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Who will join Sharath Kamal in the Indian table tennis squad for the Paris Olympics 2024?

Sharath Kamal, a 13-time medalist at the Commonwealth Games with seven gold to his name, is still in pursuit of his first Olympic medal. The Paris Olympics 2024 represents a golden opportunity for Sharath and the Indian table tennis team to clinch their first-ever Olympic medal in the sport. Notably, for the first time, India will compete in team events at the Summer Olympics.

The Indian table tennis team for the Paris Olympics 2024 is an eight-member contingent (including two reserves). The men's team will feature Sharath, Manav Thakkar and Harmeet Desai, with G Sathiyan as the reserve player. On the women's side, the team will be led by the experienced Manika Batra, accompanied by Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath, while Ayhika Mukherjee will be the reserve.

Apart from Sharath and Manika Batra, all other players will be making their Olympic debut. The fresh talent, combined with the experience of the seasoned players, aims to make a significant impact as they strive for the elusive Olympic medal.