New Delhi. Archana Kamat will miss the Indian jersey but the table tennis player is determined to serve the country in a different way as an economist in the future. A few days after India’s quarterfinal loss to Germany at the recent Paris Olympics, the 24-year-old from Bangalore decided to pursue a master’s degree in public policy at the University of Michigan in the US.
Archana was a teenager when she started her professional career, so the decision to move away from table tennis was very emotional for her. But she loved studying since her school days. She was the topper in 10th and 12th exams with 98.7 and 97 percent marks respectively. Now she is pursuing her second masters degree in Michigan. She has already completed her post graduation in international relations. Archana has a bachelor’s degree in economics and she wants to return to India after two years and serve the country possibly as an economist.
From renowned economist Sanjeev Sanyal to tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, her role models include them. Speaking to PTI from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Archana talked about her decision to retire from the sport soon after the Olympics.
He categorically stated that he did not do it for a better financial future as his employers Indian Oil, OGQ and the government have taken care of him.
She said, “I have always loved studying and table tennis as much. I had asked about this course in Michigan last year as well but then we had qualified for the Paris Olympics as a team for the first time and I wanted to focus on that.” Archana said, “Now that the Olympics are over, I want to study more and come back to India after two years and serve the people. My decision has nothing to do with financial gain.” Both Archana’s parents are ophthalmologists. Her brother is currently doing PhD in ‘Aerospace Engineering’ in America.
Archana hopes to continue playing table tennis in the US and will miss the team atmosphere the most. She said, “The best thing about the Olympics was being with senior players like Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra. The atmosphere was great. I also got a chance to meet Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. I also love playing for my country and that is what I will miss the most. I hope I will continue playing in the US.”