With the 2025 ITTF World Championships looming just 50 days away and the ITTF World Cup set to begin on April 14, India’s top women paddlers, Manika Batra (#29) and Sreeja Akula (#32), find themselves in a season of trials, setbacks, and the promise of resurgence.
While both have endured challenging campaigns so far this year, their performances have sparked conversation, analysis, and a rallying cry for renewed focus and hard work.
Performance Snapshot
In 2025, both athletes have recorded a series of results that underline the unpredictable nature of competitive table tennis:
These figures indicate that while the win-loss records are modest, the nature of the losses—especially against lower-ranked opponents—has raised concerns among fans and experts alike.
Manika Batra: A Call for a Strategic Pause
Current Form and Challenges
Manika Batra has been a beacon of Indian table tennis, known for her aggressive play and tactical prowess. However, her 2025 campaign has been marred by inconsistency.
With only 1 win out of 7 matches and five losses to lower-ranked players, doubts have emerged regarding her preparation and match-day execution.
A critical blow came at the WTT Champions Incheon 2025, where Manika suffered a 1-3 defeat in the first round against China’s Qian Tianyi—a former Junior World Champion and current World Ranking #12.
This loss not only halted her progress in a prestigious tournament but also highlighted areas needing urgent refinement in her game.
The Way Forward
For Manika, the current season could be a pivotal moment—a signal to take a strategic break from the relentless competitive cycle. A period of focused training and self-assessment might help her regain the lost rhythm.
Emphasizing fundamentals, mental toughness, and match simulation could well be the formula to bounce back stronger in the upcoming ITTF World Cup and World Championships.
Sreeja Akula: The Resurgence of a Fighter
On-Court Resilience
In contrast, Sreeja Akula has shown flashes of brilliance that hint at a return to peak form. Despite registering only 2 wins against 6 losses, her battle against World No. 7 Kuai Man stands out as a testament to her fighting spirit.
In a gripping match that ended 2-3, Sreeja was on the cusp of a more decisive victory, especially when an early lead in game 2 promised a possible 3-0 sweep. Although the match slipped away, her performance against a top-tier opponent demonstrated not only skill but also the potential for future success.
Building Momentum
For Sreeja, this near miss is both a learning experience and a motivational force. The match against Kuai Man has reignited her competitive edge and underscored the importance of capitalizing on momentum.
With the ITTF World Cup on the horizon, Sreeja’s growing confidence and tactical adaptability could position her as a formidable challenger on the global stage.
The Broader Context: Men’s Singles and National Expectations
While the focus has been on the women’s game, it’s worth noting that this season has also brought mixed fortunes on the men’s side. For the third consecutive edition, no Indian Men’s Singles player has qualified for the World Championships. The last appearance by an Indian male player was in 2019 when Sathiyan Gnanasekaran took part—a reminder of the competitive gap that still exists.
This context further elevates the expectations placed on Manika and Sreeja. Their performances not only shape their individual careers but also serve as a beacon of hope for the resurgence of Indian table tennis on the world stage.
Looking Ahead: The ITTF World Cup and World Championships
Upcoming Challenges
The ITTF World Cup, commencing on April 14, will be a critical testing ground for both players. It offers them an opportunity to:
- Refine Tactical Play: Adjusting strategies based on previous match experiences.
- Boost Confidence: Securing wins against top-ranked opponents to build momentum.
- Set the Stage for the World Championships: Fine-tuning skills and mental preparedness in a high-stakes environment.
National Sentiment and Support
As the nation watches with bated breath, the message is clear: “Girls work harder!” There is a collective expectation for both players to overcome current challenges and rise to the occasion. Their journey is not just about personal redemption; it is a vital chapter in the story of Indian table tennis.
The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for India’s top women paddlers. Manika Batra’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale of complacency and the importance of continuous improvement, while Sreeja Akula’s gritty performance against a top-10 opponent offers a glimpse of a resurgence that can reignite national pride.
With just 50 days until the World Championships and the ITTF World Cup fast approaching, both athletes have a golden opportunity to rewrite their narratives. The challenges of 2025 may well be the crucible in which the next generation of champions is forged. For fans, coaches, and aspiring players alike, the coming months will be a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of Indian table tennis.
Let us rally behind Manika and Sreeja as they embark on this challenging journey—a journey that promises redemption, growth, and the potential for glorious comebacks on the international stage.
