The WTT Champions Chongqing 2025, scheduled from March 11 to 16, will witness India’s top two women’s singles players, Manika Batra (WR #28) and Sreeja Akula (WR #29), competing against the world’s elite.
With no Indian male paddler qualifying for the tournament—continuing a drought since 2022—the focus will firmly be on the performances of Batra and Akula as they aim to make a deep run in the event.
Manika Batra vs. Doo Hoi Kem: A Tough Opening Challenge
India’s star paddler Manika Batra will face Doo Hoi Kem from Hong Kong in the opening round. Ranked among the world’s best, Doo is a formidable opponent known for her exceptional counter-attacking skills and strong backhand play.
Batra, on the other hand, thrives on her unique combination of long-pimpled defense and sudden attacking bursts. Her unpredictability and tactical awareness have led to some stunning upsets in the past, including victories over higher-ranked opponents.
For Batra, consistency and adaptability will be key. She will need to control the tempo of the game, use her deceptive pushes effectively, and seize attacking opportunities when they arise. If she can disrupt Doo’s rhythm early on, she has a strong chance of advancing to the next round.
Sreeja Akula vs. Satsuki Odo: A Battle of Young Talents
India’s rising star Sreeja Akula is set to face Satsuki Odo of Japan in another crucial first-round encounter. Akula has been making steady progress on the international stage, showcasing impressive resilience and attacking prowess.
Her recent performances have highlighted her ability to challenge higher-ranked players, and this match against Odo presents another opportunity to make a statement.
Odo, known for her aggressive forehand play and quick movement, will test Akula’s ability to handle high-speed rallies. The Indian paddler will need to rely on her sharp returns, strategic ball placement, and mental toughness to overcome the Japanese opponent. A win here could provide a major boost to her confidence and ranking.
Indian Table Tennis on the Global Stage
With no Indian men’s singles player qualifying for the WTT Champions event since 2022, the spotlight is firmly on Batra and Akula. Their performances in Chongqing will be crucial in further establishing India’s presence in elite table tennis.
Can they pull off major upsets and make a deep run in the tournament? Indian fans will be eagerly watching.
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