NEW DELHI: Sreeja Akula achieved a historic milestone at the WTT Contender tournament, becoming the first Indian paddler to secure a WTT Contender Singles title.
In the final held in Muscat, Oman, Akula displayed exceptional skill and determination, defeating Ding Yijie of China with a convincing score of 4-1.
Akula’s triumph did not end there. She teamed up with Archana Kamath in the women’s doubles event, where they emerged victorious against their compatriots Diya Chitale and Yashaswini Ghorpade.The final score of 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 12-10) showcased their dominance and teamwork on the court.
The Indian contingent’s success extended to the men’s doubles event as well. The duo of Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar secured the gold medal with a comprehensive 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-8) victory over Azeez Solanke and Olajide Omotayo.
Akula’s journey to the women’s singles final was not without its challenges. She faced a shaky start, losing the first game 10-12 to her Chinese opponent. However, she displayed remarkable resilience and composure, bouncing back to claim the next four games with scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-8, and 11-6, ultimately securing the gold medal in style.
In the final held in Muscat, Oman, Akula displayed exceptional skill and determination, defeating Ding Yijie of China with a convincing score of 4-1.
Akula’s triumph did not end there. She teamed up with Archana Kamath in the women’s doubles event, where they emerged victorious against their compatriots Diya Chitale and Yashaswini Ghorpade.The final score of 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 12-10) showcased their dominance and teamwork on the court.
The Indian contingent’s success extended to the men’s doubles event as well. The duo of Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar secured the gold medal with a comprehensive 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-8) victory over Azeez Solanke and Olajide Omotayo.
Akula’s journey to the women’s singles final was not without its challenges. She faced a shaky start, losing the first game 10-12 to her Chinese opponent. However, she displayed remarkable resilience and composure, bouncing back to claim the next four games with scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-8, and 11-6, ultimately securing the gold medal in style.
The Indian contingent’s performance at the WTT Contender event in Muscat was nothing short of exceptional. With three gold medals and one silver, they have showcased their talent, dedication, and competitive spirit on the international stage.
Akula’s historic achievement as the first Indian paddler to win a WTT Contender Singles title is a testament to the growing strength of Indian table tennis and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
