Sreeja Akula returns home after impressive run in Paris Olympics 2024

Sreeja Akula has returned to India after her impressive campaign in the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian table tennis star recently moved to No. 22 in the world rankings to become India’s highest-ranked paddler. Ever since she won the gold medal in mixed doubles at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Sreeja has taken rapid strides in her career.

Sreeja became only the second Indian to advance to the pre-quarters of a table tennis event at the Olympics. The first was Manika Batra, who achieved the landmark after beating Prithika Pavade, a 19-year-old from France. Sreeja also played well in the women’s team event although India lost to Germany and could not progress beyond the quarterfinals.

Sreeja Akula had a broad smile on her face as she posed for the cameras after returning to India following her Paris campaign.

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How did Sreeja Akula perform in Paris Olympics?

Sreeja Akula started her journey with a dominating win over Christina Kallberg of Sweden. She beat her Swedish opponent 4-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8). On July 31, she turned 26 years old and celebrated the special occasion with another resounding victory over Singapore’s Zeng Jian.

Sreeja won the match 4-2 (9-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 12-10). She had a chance for a double delight on her birthday when she faced China’s Sun Yingha in the Round of 16. But she ended up losing the match 4-0 (10-12, 10-12, 8-11, 3-11).

Against the Chinese World No. 1, Sreeja fetched as many as nine game points in the first two games, but she failed to convert even one of them. After she let Sun off the hook, Sreeja could not get a foothold back into the contest.

Sreeja was also a part of the Indian women’s team along with Manika and Archana Kamath. India beat Romania 3-2 in the opening round before losing to the Germans.

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