In the year 2025, Sreeja Akula, who was formerly considered the rising star of Indian table tennis, is confronted with difficulties. When Akula scored a career-high worldwide rating of 21 and became India's finest female paddler in 2024, her recent performances have not been able to equal the level of success she had during that season.
A remarkable 2024
The year 2024 changed Akula. Her international rating rose from 89th to 23rd over the season. She became the first Indian to win a WTT Contender Lagos singles championship. She has won the WTT Feeder Corpus Christi and Beirut II singles titles. Akula upset then-world No. 2 Wang Yidi in consecutive games at the World Team Table Tennis Championships, proving her worth. She became the second Indian table tennis player to reach the round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympics, solidifying her standing.
The 2025 Drop
In contrast to her 2024 season, Akula has seen early departures and a drop in form. She never advanced past the round of 16 in 11 international tournaments. The drop in her global ranking to 35th reflects the problems she encounters internationally.
An examination of her 2025 performances shows recurrent struggles:
- WTT Doha: Round of 16 loss to Qian Tianyi (WR 11).
- WTT: Muscat lost to Sakura Yokoi (WR 33) in Round of 16.
- Singapore Smash: Lost to He Zhuojia (WR 30) in Round of 64.
- Group stage defeats against Sun Yingsha (WR 1) and Chein Tung Chuan (WR 47) in Asian Cup.
- WTT Champions Chongqing: Round of 32 loss to Satsuki Odo (WR 8).
- Star Contender Chennai: Lost to Krittwika Roy (WR 154) in Round of 32.
- WTT Champions Incheon: Lost to Kuai Man (WR 7) in Round of 32.
- ITTF World Cup Macao: Bernadette Szocs (WR 13) group stage defeat
- Tunis: Early exit vs Christina Kallberg (WR 76)
Six times, Akula lost against lower-ranked opponents, suggesting a lack of consistency and confidence.
Decline Analysis
Several things may have caused Akula's decline. She left Ultimate Table Tennis in August 2024 due to a stress fracture. The injury may have affected her physical preparedness and match fitness, even though she returned to compete after six weeks. The psychological toll of injury recovery and pressure to repeat prior triumphs may also impair performance.
For 14 years, Somnath Ghosh has coached Akula. He must now restore her shape. Their longtime collaboration has shaped her, and their cooperation will help her through this moment.
A glimpse of hope
Despite failures, there are positives. While Akula exited singles early at WTT Contender Tunis, she reached the mixed doubles quarterfinals with G. Sathiyan.This performance shows she has the talent and competitive passion to thrive at top levels. Akula will have her next chance to recover in the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha on May 17. This competition allows her to show toughness and change her direction.Akula's past implies she can overcome 2025's hurdles. Her experience highlights the fluctuating nature of competitive athletics, emphasizing tenacity despite shape changes.
Professional sports are unpredictable, as Sreeja Akula's problems show. Her present problems remind her of the constant effort needed to sustain elite performance after a breakthrough year in 2024. Akula can recover and reclaim her international table tennis dominance with her coaching team and resilience.
