The Indian contingent of 117 participants is ready to write a new chapter in Indian sports history. This table tennis contingent includes well-known and experienced players such as Ajanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra. Undoubtedly, India will hope high for these experienced table tennis players. One name that has not been discussed much in these Olympics but is already creating sensations is Sreeja Akula.
This young paddler was not even in the top 60 when the year started. But with consistent performance, Sreeja is currently ranked 24 in the world table tennis rankings. Sreeja Akula could bring a surprise medal for India in the Olympics.
Seed and Ranking of Sreeja Akula
Sreeja Akula holds the sixteenth seed in the women’s singles event at the Paris Olympics. This is the highest seed an Indian paddler has ever gotten in these games. She is two seeds above her countrymate Manika Batra, who is seeded 18th.
Sreeja is currently the number one female player in table tennis, with a career-best ranking of 24.
Recent Forms and Achievements:
Sreeja is in good form this year. She won the singles at WTT Feeder Corpus Christi and WTT Contender Lagos, as well as the doubles event in Lagos, partnering with Achantha Kamal in 2024.
The win at the WTT Contender singles title is historic and will give her confidence a boost.
Strengths:
- Sreeja plays fearlessly and is a very attacking player. She has a powerful forehand, and her quick reflexes make her a tough opponent.
- Her game has improved under pressure, which was evident by her upset win over world no. 2 Wang Yidi earlier this year.
- Over the last year, Sreeja has improved her mental toughness and fitness. Sreeja also believes this has been the key to her recent success.
Challenges face by Sreeja Akula
Sreeja will compete with powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea, who always perform well in big tournaments.
This will be her first Olympic debut. The pressure and intensity of the games could be a significant challenge for her.
Along with this, Sreeja has to maintain consistency and peak at the right time. The Olympic schedule could be physically demanding, and it will test Sreeja to bring the best out of her.
Sreeja Akula’s Chances of Winning a Medal:
The 16th seed, Sreeja, has a realistic chance of making a long run in the tournament. She will benefit from her seeding until the pre-quarterfinals. The kind of form Sreeja has this year is enough to push her against the top-seeded player. Her win against World No. 2 makes her a tough contender for a medal. Sreeja’s talent and potential will make an impact in Paris.
