Success in elite sport is complicated, its path rarely linear. It doesn't come overnight either. Few know this better than Sreeja Akula, India's shining singles table tennis player. (More Sports News)
Having undergone an arduous journey where she was long unable to achieve her goal of breaching the top-50 barrier, the 26-year-old was beginning to entertain doubts and frustration. But along came a blockbuster 2024, and she was catapulted to historic highs.
Akula won three tour events, including a WTT Contender title, becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat. She also climbed to a career-high world number 21, which is the highest an Indian table tennis player has ever been ranked in singles. A round of 16 finish at the Paris Olympics was the icing on the cake, and the dream run was beyond what the Hyderabad player foresaw.
"2024 has been a wonderful year for me. It started off with the win at the (WTT Feeder) Corpus Christi tournament and then in Beirut, and then Lagos," Akula recounted to 바카라.
But she was quick to add that this growth is far from inorganic. "It was not something I did differently in that year. It was the hard work me and my coach have been doing for the last 15-16 years. It came out at the right time, just before the Olympics. I am very happy for that fantastic year and am looking forward to a great 2025 as well."
The table tennis star is grateful to her sponsor Dream Sports Foundation for holistic support, which becomes particularly valuable in sports not as fancied as cricket. "I have been getting fantastic support from them. I got the support at the right time, when I was looking out for sponsors, especially to play more international tournaments. I have been able to improve my world ranking with the help of that.
"It's not just about financial support, but a comprehensive support where they help me with dietitians and mental training. I am always assured they are there for me, so I can focus on my game," she explained.
The paddler will compete at the upcoming WTT Star Contender event in Chennai between March 25 and 30, and is well aware of the importance of the country hosting such big-ticket events. "It is very important to conduct such events in India because the younger generation gets to see players live. Olympic medallists like (Tomokazu) Harimoto and Hina Hayata are also in action, so it's very inspiring, not only for the players but also the spectators. It's crucial for table tennis in India, which is growing very fast."
She believes that home advantage is a double-edged sword at such a stage. "There will definitely be expectations and pressure, but playing in the home country is a totally different feel. There is a lot of motivation and the crowd keeps cheering for us; I love playing here."
As for her future aspirations, Akula is not looking too far ahead. "The next big tournament is Asian Games but before that, we also have many other tournaments. We have the World Championships in May, so that's my target for now. I am ranked 29th in the world currently; my aim will be to maintain that ranking. Reaching that level is a different kind of challenge, but maintaining it is a separate one," she signed off.
