Sreeja Akula’s journey in table tennis is a testament to resilience and passion. Hailing from Hyderabad, she grew up in a family where the sport was a way of life. Her father, Praveen Kumar, and elder sister, Ravali, both played table tennis, setting a foundation that would propel Sreeja into the limelight. At just nine years old, she began her training at St. Paul’s Academy, later honing her skills under coach Somnath Ghosh. It wasn’t always smooth sailing; she faced setbacks, including a runner-up finish to Manika Batra in the national singles. But these challenges only fueled her determination.

In 2022, Sreeja’s hard work paid off when she clinched the gold medal in mixed doubles at the Commonwealth Games alongside Sharath Kamal. That same year, she was honored with the Arjuna Award, recognizing her as a two-time national champion. Fast forward to June 2024, and she made history by becoming the first Indian to win a singles title at the WTT Contender level in Lagos, defeating China’s Ding Yijie. Her recent achievements include reaching the Pre-Quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics, where she became one of the first Indian women to break into the top 25 in world rankings.

Sreeja believes that success is not just about winning but about inspiring others. With a remarkable academic record, having graduated with a commerce degree, she embodies the spirit of a true champion, balancing sport and education. As she continues to rise, her story is one of hope, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.