Time to bolster nation's image: Sharath Kamal-Sep 29, 2010,

Time to bolster nation's image: Sharath Kamal

Mohammad Amin-ul Islam, TNN, Sep 29, 2010, 02.30am IST

Tags:yamuna sports complex|table tennis|sharath kamal|cwg 2010 table tennis|commonwealth games
NEW DELHI: Sharath Kamal's confidence, his towering height and soft demeanour make him one of India's most endearing sports personalities. One of the top stars in the CWG, the world number 39 will lead an Indian table tennis team which is equally talented and full of exuberance.

Asked about the controversies surrounding the Games, the 28-year-old Sharath said that the priority for him and the team was to play and perform. "I think the media has blown things out of proportion. Let's stop making comments now. The need of the hour is to bolster the nation's image.

"As athletes, we should put our heads down and concentrate on our game. I must say that we are quite happy with the facilities both at the Yamuna Sports Complex and at the Games Village," he said before leaving the Village with the team for his afternoon training session at the Yamuna Sports Complex. India won two gold (men's singles and men's team) and one bronze (women's team) in the last edition at Melbourne four years back, with Sharath becoming the first Indian player in CWG history to win a single's gold.

Back from Germany on Tuesday after an exposure trip, India's top table tennis star felt that the hosts should cash in on the home support in CWG. "Most probably we will be seeded second. If that happens then we will be playing against teams like Nigeria and England in the beginning. But we should be wary of Singapore," Sharath told TOI on Tuesday.

After having won two top events (Egypt Open and US Open) in July, the lanky Chennai-based player looks to be in impressive form. "After China, I went to Germany for further training. Since we will be playing against England, the training in Germany, besides the month-long trip at Suzhou and Zhengding (both in China) should help us," he said.

In fact, the two back-to-back exposure trips to China and Germany have only strengthened his confidence. "Thanks to the government, we have got lot of practice games. I know there will be lot of expectations on us. But I'm sure we can deliver a better result," added Sharath, who has been India No.1 for the last seven years.