Sreeja Akula, India’s top-ranked table tennis player, has unfortunately been sidelined due to a stress fracture. This injury, diagnosed recently, will keep her out of action for the next six weeks. As a result, Akula will miss the upcoming Ultimate Table Tennis tournament, which is scheduled to commence on August 22. Her absence is a significant blow to the Jaipur Patriots, the team for which she was drafted to play.
In a statement, Akula expressed her disappointment: “I’m sorry to share that I have been diagnosed with a stress fracture and on my doctor’s advice, I’ll need to rest for six weeks, which unfortunately means I won’t be able to participate in UTT 2024.” This unfortunate development comes at a time when Akula was at the peak of her career, having recently achieved the highest world ranking for an Indian player at No. 22 in women’s singles.
Sreeja Akula's injury occurs shortly after her remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. At the Games, Akula demonstrated exceptional skill, defeating Sweden’s then world No. 58, Christina Kallberg, in the round of 64, and overcoming Zeng Jian of Singapore, who was ranked 52nd, in the round of 32. Her journey was a testament to her talent and determination, culminating in her reaching the round of 16, where she faced a formidable opponent in world No. 1 Yingsha Sun of China.
The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a historic milestone for Akula, as she and her compatriot Manika Batra became the first Indian table tennis players to advance to the round of 16 in individual events. This achievement significantly bolstered her international profile and contributed to her career-high world ranking of No. 22. Akula’s success at the Olympics not only highlighted her individual prowess but also underscored the growing prominence of Indian table tennis on the global stage.
With Akula’s absence from the UTT tournament, the Jaipur Patriots will be represented by Nithyashree Mani, the U19 Youth National Champion. Mani, making her debut in the UTT, will step into Akula’s role, bringing fresh energy and potential to the team. Her inclusion is a significant opportunity for the young player to showcase her abilities on a prestigious platform.
The stress fracture diagnosis is particularly disheartening for Akula and her supporters, given her recent success and promising trajectory in the sport. Her recovery will be closely watched by fans and the table tennis community, who eagerly anticipate her return to competitive play. In the meantime, Akula’s absence from the UTT and other events will be a notable gap in the competitive landscape.
As Sreeja Akula takes time to recuperate, her contributions to the sport and her recent achievements will continue to inspire aspiring table tennis players. Her remarkable performance at Paris 2024 and her position as one of the top players globally affirm her status as a leading figure in the sport. The period of rest and recovery will be crucial for her, as she aims to return to peak form and continue her illustrious career.
