After securing Olympic berth, Sharath Kamal focused on 'ideal' preparation for Tokyo 2020 

Veteran Indian table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal might have just qualified for his fourth Olympics after securing a Tokyo 2020 spot in the men's singles category during the ongoing Asian Olympic Qualification in Doha. However, the seasoned paddler feels the real challenge lies in preparing for the mega-event amid the challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The World No. 32 secured a berth for Tokyo 2020 after overpowering Pakistan's Muhammad Rameez 11-4, 11-1, 11-5, 11-4 in a little over 22 minutes in the second men's singles round-robin match in the South Asia group. He started the opening round with a loss to his Indian compatriot and current National Champion G Sathiyan.

However, the win over Rameez, ensured at least a second-place finish for the veteran and he thus qualified on basis of being the top-ranked second-placed player in the tournament.

The players have been divided into five groups - South Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, West Asia and South East Asia. Toppers of each group qualify for Tokyo 2020 and the highest-ranked second-placed player from the five groups also qualifies - a spot which Sharath Kamal secured.

"Preparation for Tokyo 2020 due to Covid-19 situation is the main worry for me. Not sure if we can train in Asia or Europe and if we will get a sparring partner to travel with us in this (Covid-19) situation. Olympics will need a lot of preparation and everyone will come in prepared," Sharath Kamal told the Olympic Channel over the phone from Doha.

"But I have my experience and it will help me be well prepared for it".

At 38, Kamal will be making his fourth appearance at the Olympics and is hopeful to breach the quarter-final mark of the men's singles category in Tokyo, to record his best performance at the Games.

"It will be the best version of me (at Tokyo 2020), performance-wise. As far as results is concerned, I want to reach the quarter-finals, with the main goal of looking for a medal. I will have to beat two to three top players (among the top 15 World rankings) to reach there," Kamal said.

Kamal, meanwhile, is cautious and understands that his next task to qualify in the mixed doubles category for Tokyo 2020 will be challenging as there is only a single spot up for grabs. Kamal and his partner Manika Batra are World No.19, in the mixed doubles category at the Asian Olympic Qualification, making them the second-best ranked pair.

"It will not be easy. We are up against the best. We will need to win at least two matches to qualify (for Tokyo 2020)," Kamal said.

The flag-bearer of the Indian table tennis contingent has been a constant learner. He made his maiden Olympic appearance in Athens 2004. He later became the lone Indian paddler to qualify for Beijing 2008. His third appearance at the Olympics, meanwhile, came in Rio 2016.