“My target in the Olympics is to create as many upsets as possible" - Sreeja Akula ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

Indian women’s table tennis player Sreeja Akula is setting her sights on making a mark at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled to take place in July-August. In a recent conversation with Sportstar, Akula shared her ambitious goals and preparations for her debut at the Olympic Games.

Sreeja Akula has made it clear that she aims to make a significant impact at the Olympics by causing upsets against some of the world's best players.

“The preparations have been good, and my target in the Olympics is to create as many upsets as possible. Yes, it will be a different proposition there, as 128 players will be there in action. Some of them I have played against, and some new faces. But, again, a lot depends on the draw, too,” said Akula.

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Sreeja Akula’s performance at the WTT Contender Lagos 2024

The 25-year-old paddler has been in excellent form of late, highlighted by her impressive performances at the WTT Contender Lagos 2024 in Nigeria on Sunday, June 23. Akula made history by becoming the first Indian paddler to win a WTT Contenders singles title, defeating Yijie Ding 4-1 in the women's singles final.

In the doubles category, Akula teamed up with Archana Kamath to secure the title. The duo triumphed over fellow Indians Yashaswini Ghorpade and Diya Chitale 3-2 in a closely contested final.

“This Lagos double also means that there is a big change in attitude and confidence levels now. Gamewise, too, I am much better off with my topspin and the variations, too,” Akula remarked.

Akula expressed her satisfaction with her performance just a month before the Olympics and feels confident heading into the mega event.

“It is a special performance for me coming so close to the Olympics. I am glad with the way I have been training and playing in the recent past. I am ready for the kind of challenge one expects in the Olympics. The biggest challenge is to stay fit mentally and physically. I feel I am on the right path given how I have coped with the hot and humid conditions here and the hectic schedule,” she added.

Sreeja Akula is now set to feature in the WTT Contenders Tunisia and WTT Star Contender Bangkok in the build-up to the Paris Olympics 2024. She’ll also head to Germany for a 10-day training to prepare for the mega event.