“The nation won't forget the way you fought” - Netizens praise Sreeja Akula for spirited fight against world No. 1 Sun Yingsha in Paris 2024 Olympics
Indian paddler Sreeja Akula lost to world No. 1 ranked table tennis player, Sun Yingsha of China, by a scoreline of 0-4 in the Round of 16 clash in the women’s singles event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Birthday girl Sreeja, who turned 26 on Wednesday, fought till the last moment against gold medal favorite Sun, despite the scoreline of 12-10, 12-10, 11-8, 11-3 suggesting otherwise. Fans took to social media to congratulate Sreeja on her fighting spirit, with one writing:
“Sreeja Akula, the nation won't forget the way you fought. Hard luck but we're proud.”
Another fan praised Sreeja, ranked 25th in the world, for going neck-to-neck against the world No. 1 Yingsha.
“End of a very promising campaign. Against an opponent ranked number 1, Sreeja Akula did try going toe-to-toe, but just couldn't run away with the point advantages she got,” the fan wrote. “Scoreline of 4-0 is cruel. Well tried, Sreeja.”
“END OF AN INSPIRATIONAL FIGHT - BACK, SREEJA AKULA...!!!” one fan said. “Sreeja has given a classic fight against the best to remember in the Paris Olympics.”
“Sreeja Akula lost both the game after leading by 10-6. Nah man this is sad and heartbreaking,” another fan said.
“THIS IS HEARTBREAKING. Feel for Sreeja Akula, at one point she was ahead and but end up on the losing side in Paris Olympics,” one fan said.
Another fan thanked Sreeja for making her country proud, writing:
“What a game #SreejaAkula! You made India Proud. Thanks.”
Sreeja Akula fails to convert leads into game points in tough battle against Sun Yingsha
Even though the match ended with Sun Yingsha winning all four games, the contest was as close as it could get. Sreeja did not let Sun build an early lead and even managed to overtake her Chinese opponent, leading 10-6 at one point. However, 23-year-old Sun displayed her mettle by winning six consecutive points to take the game 12-10.
The second game was a big disappointment for Sreeja, as she led by 10-5 at one point but lot her concentration. Sun took advantage of her opponent’s nervousness and clawed back into the game, winning it 12-10 yet again.
The third game was much better on Sun’s part, as she did not let her early lead slip, winning her third straight game by 11-8. The fourth game, which was a must-win for Sreeja to stay in the competition, got away from the Indian paddler’s control early on. Sun established a lead of 7-2and went on to win 11-3, securing both the game and match.
Sreeja's loss against Sun was India’s second of the night in table tennis, as ace paddler Manika Batra lost to Miu Hirano earlier on Wednesday.