Indian table tennis star Sreeja Akula makes history at Paris Olympics with dramatic comeback

Paris: On a day filled with drama, Indian table tennis star Sreeja Akula delivered a birthday performance for the ages, securing her place in the Round of 16 in the Women’s Singles event at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday.

In an exhilarating six-game match, Sreeja overcame Singapore’s Jian Zeng with a scoreline of 9-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 12-10. The 26-year-old not only celebrated her birthday, but also etched her name into Olympic history with a stunning display of grit and skill.

The match began with Zeng taking an early lead, winning the first game 9-11. Sreeja, undeterred by the setback, showcased her resilience in the second game, winning 12-10. Her strategic serves and aggressive play demonstrated her determination to turn the tide in her favour.

Games 3 and 4 saw Sreeja's dominance come to the fore. With a commanding 11-4 victory in Game 3 and an 11-5 win in Game 4, Sreeja appeared to be in control. However, the fifth game proved to be a nail-biting contest. Zeng fought back fiercely, making the final moments of the game intensely dramatic. Despite the pressure, Sreeja maintained her composure and clinched the game 12-10.

This victory not only marks a significant milestone in Sreeja's career but also makes her the second Indian to advance to the pre-quarters in Olympic table tennis, joining Manika Batra who achieved the same feat just days earlier.

Sreeja's remarkable performance has been hailed as a testament to her resilience and skill. As she prepares for the next round, fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating her continued success in the tournament.