From Hyderabad to Paris: Sreeja Akula’s Journey to Becoming an Olympian
From early struggles on domestic circuits to standing tall against the world’s best in Paris, Sreeja Akula’s journey in table tennis is one of quiet perseverance, unwavering belief, and a deep love for the game. The 26-year-old paddler from Hyderabad recently made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024, a culmination of years of effort, sacrifice, and resilience. In a candid conversation, she reflects on her rise in Indian and global table tennis, the pivotal moments that shaped her, and what lies ahead as she sets her sights on Los Angeles 2028.
A Dream Years in the Making
Though many remember her now as a two-time national champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Sreeja’s early years were defined more by promise than by podiums.
“I’ve always done well in domestic events,” she says. “But I hadn’t won a national championship title for a long time. I used to yearn for it.” That changed after the COVID-19 pandemic, when a renewed focus and structured discipline helped her turn a corner. “Since 2021, this has been the best phase of my career. I became national champion in 2022, then came the Commonwealth Games gold, WTT titles — and now the Olympics.”
But the path wasn’t always smooth. There were moments of self-doubt, even thoughts of quitting. “There were times when I wondered whether I should continue in the sport. I felt a bit demotivated,” she admits. “But my parents, my coach, and especially my sister who was also a player always supported me. That strong support system is what kept me going.”
Golden Moments and Global Breakthroughs
Among her many victories, one moment stands out. “The Commonwealth Games gold is very special to me,” she says, eyes lighting up at the memory of standing on the podium while the national anthem played. “I’ve watched athletes experience that moment on TV for years. To finally live it myself that was surreal.”
She didn’t stop there. Sreeja created history by becoming the first Indian to win a WTT Contender singles title, and more recently, she broke into the world’s top 35 a sign that she is no longer just a promising talent, but a genuine threat on the global stage.
One of her most defining wins came earlier in 2024, when she defeated China’s Wang Yidi a player ranked among the world’s best. “That match gave confidence not just to me, but to the whole Indian team. We all started believing that we can beat the Chinese,” she says. “It changed the entire mindset.”
What worked in that stretch of strong performances? “I was more aggressive and unpredictable in my attacking strokes,” she explains. “Tactically, I was more mature. But above all, it was the belief and mental preparation.”
Paris 2024: The Olympic Debut
For any athlete, the Olympics are a pinnacle. For Sreeja, the Paris Games were both a reward and a revelation.
“Before going, everyone said the Olympics will feel different that you’ll get chills when you enter the arena,” she recalls. “So I prepared myself mentally. I kept telling myself, ‘It’s just another tournament same table, same opponents.’ That mindset helped me a lot.”
But it was far from ordinary. In her debut match, Sreeja made headlines by pushing world No.1 Sun Yingsha in a tense encounter, even holding game points in two sets. “I was able to play my game and stay composed. The mental work I did beforehand helped me compete at that level.”
Off the table, she soaked in the Olympic atmosphere. “I got to see Djokovic, Nadal I even got a selfie with Nadal!” she says with a smile. “It was surreal. You’re eating meals next to legends from other sports. It really hits you that you’re part of something huge.”
Adapting to Challenges
Competing at the highest level isn’t just about skill it’s also about adapting to the unpredictable. In Paris, athletes dealt with intense heat, varying routines, and unfamiliar conditions.
“In table tennis, conditions matter a lot from the type of ball to the flooring and the venue size,” Sreeja explains. “In India, we train in smaller halls. But in Europe, the stadiums are massive, which affects the movement of the ball.”
Such differences can throw off even the best players. But Sreeja has learned to adapt. “Every tournament teaches you to react to the situation. That’s what table tennis and life has taught me: don’t complain, just adjust and give your best.”
A Tough Injury and the Road Back
Just after her Olympic high, Sreeja hit an unexpected low. A stress fracture sidelined her for months, halting her momentum.
“I had pushed myself really hard before the Olympics,” she says. “Afterward, the injury took several months to heal. It was tough both physically and emotionally. I wasn’t doing well in tournaments. I felt lost for a while.”
It was her first major injury and her biggest test yet. “With the help of my mental trainer, my physio, and my coach, I slowly made my way back. I’m starting to feel like myself again.”
The Roots in Hyderabad and the Bond with Her Coach
Sreeja’s table tennis journey began in Hyderabad, where a love for the sport took root early. “I was always drawn to the game,” she says. “My sister played too, and that got me hooked.”
Over the years, one figure has remained a constant: her coach Somnath Ghosh. “He’s been with me through every stage of my career,” she says. “As I’ve grown, our relationship has evolved too it’s more collaborative now. He understands my game inside out, and we work as a team.”
Indian TT’s Turning Point?
With growing support from initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), increased international exposure, and the rise of professional leagues like Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), Indian table tennis seems to be at an inflection point.
“Definitely,” Sreeja agrees. “UTT has helped players tremendously not just financially, but also in terms of experience. Playing alongside top global players, being part of a team, handling pressure it’s all invaluable.”
She also credits TOPS and SAI for their timely backing. “I’ve received crucial support at the right times. It’s made a big difference.”
But she’s quick to point out there’s still a long way to go. “To compete consistently with the best, we need more structured long-term plans, especially for younger players. More exposure, more international matches, and stronger domestic systems.”
A Redemption Run in UTT
Sreeja’s UTT journey mirrors her larger career arc from setbacks to shining comebacks. In 2024, she couldn’t play for the Jaipur Patriots due to injury. Yet the team retained her. In 2025, she repaid that faith by leading them to the final.
“I’m so grateful they believed in me,” she says. “This season, I gave everything I could. The match against Dabang Delhi was one of the most intense ones we had lost to them earlier, so to come back and win in the knockouts meant a lot.”
Her passion was evident in every point, in every celebration. “UTT creates a pressure cooker environment. In the league phase, you’re just collecting points. But in knockouts, every point is do-or-die. That pressure teaches you how to deliver when it counts.”
Looking Ahead: Los Angeles 2028 and Beyond
As Paris fades into the rearview mirror, Sreeja is already setting her sights on the future and LA 2028.
“I’ve had a taste of the Olympics, and now I want to go even deeper next time,” she says. “Reaching the Pre-Quarterfinal was just the start. I want to win medals for India.”
And for the next generation of girls dreaming of a similar journey? Her message is clear: “Believe in yourself, even when results don’t come. Keep working. Keep showing up. And most importantly, love the game — that’s what will carry you through.”
Sreeja Akula’s story is still being written. But if one thing is clear, it’s that she’s not done chasing greatness — not by a long shot.
