Archana Kamath, a talented table tennis player from Bengaluru, recently made the decision to step away from professional sports and pursue a career in public policy. Despite her success on the table tennis court, including representing India in the recent Paris Olympics, Archana is now focused on furthering her education and serving her country in a different capacity.
From a young age, Archana excelled both in academics and sports. She was a top student in school, consistently scoring high marks in her exams. After completing her bachelor’s degree in economics, she went on to pursue a post-graduation in International Relations. Now, she is studying for a Master’s in Public Policy at the University of Michigan, with plans to return to India after two years to work as an economist.
Archana’s decision to leave elite sports was not driven by financial motives, as she has been well-supported by her employers and the government throughout her athletic career. Instead, her passion for studying and her desire to contribute to public policy in India motivated her to make this transition. She has always been interested in policy-making and sees this as an opportunity to serve her country in a meaningful way.
Despite leaving table tennis behind, Archana cherishes the memories and experiences she gained from competing at the highest level, especially at the Olympics. She was proud to be part of the first Indian team to qualify for the team event at the Olympics, alongside veteran players like Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra. The camaraderie and team spirit she experienced during the Games will be something she misses the most.
While studying in the USA, Archana also hopes to continue playing table tennis and stay connected to the sport. She values the lessons and discipline she learned through sports and believes they will continue to benefit her in her future endeavors. Meeting top athletes like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympics was a highlight for her, showcasing the global reach and impact of sports.
Looking ahead, Archana is determined to become a public servant in India and contribute to shaping public policies that benefit the country. She admires the work of economist Sanjeev Sanyal and is inspired by his contributions to the field. As she embarks on her studies in public policy, Archana is eager to learn and grow, with the ultimate goal of returning to India and making a positive impact on society.
In conclusion, Archana Kamath’s journey from table tennis player to aspiring economist reflects her dedication to serving her country and making a difference through public policy. Her decision to pursue higher education and transition to a new career path is a testament to her passion for learning and her commitment to contributing to the welfare of India. As she embarks on this new chapter in her life, Archana’s determination and drive will undoubtedly lead her to success in her future endeavors.