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.
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.
English (US) ·