India’s leading table tennis star, Sreeja Akula, has been sidelined for six weeks after being diagnosed with a stress fracture, ruling her out of the upcoming Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 tournament.
The tournament is set to kick off on August 22, and Akula’s absence is a significant blow to her team, the Jaipur Patriots, as well as to her own momentum following a historic run at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In a statement, Akula, who is currently ranked world No. 21 in women’s singles, expressed her disappointment: “I’m sorry to share that I have been diagnosed with a stress fracture and on my doctor’s advice, I’ll need to rest for six weeks, which unfortunately means I won’t be able to participate in UTT 2024.” Her absence is particularly disheartening given her recent achievements on the international stage, where she has been a trailblazer for Indian table tennis.
Akula’s rise in the global rankings has been nothing short of remarkable. Last week, she achieved the highest-ever ranking for an Indian woman in table tennis, reaching world No. 22 after a stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Her Olympic campaign saw her defeat Sweden’s world No. 58 Christina Kallberg in the round of 64, followed by a victory over Singapore’s 52nd-ranked Zeng Jian in the round of 32. This success propelled her to the round of 16, where she and Manika Batra made history by becoming the first Indian table tennis players to reach this stage in the individual events at the Olympics. However, Akula’s impressive run was halted by the world No. 1, Yingsha Sun of China.
Her remarkable ascent in the rankings has put Indian table tennis in the global spotlight. Alongside Manika Batra, Akula is one of only two Indian women to break into the top 25 in the world rankings, highlighting the progress and potential of Indian athletes in a sport long dominated by other nations.
With Akula sidelined, the Jaipur Patriots have drafted Nithyashree Mani, the U19 Youth National Champion, to fill her spot. Mani, who will be making her debut in UTT 2024, now faces the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of India’s top-ranked player. While she has shown promise at the youth level, her performance in the high-pressure environment of the UTT will be closely watched.
The Ultimate Table Tennis tournament, which features some of the best players from around the world, is a significant event on the Indian sports calendar. Akula’s participation was highly anticipated, particularly following her Olympic success. Her absence leaves a void, but it also provides an opportunity for emerging talents like Mani to make their mark.
The UTT 2024 will proceed with several other top players competing, but Akula’s recovery will be closely monitored as she looks to return to action and continue her upward trajectory in the sport. The six-week rest period will be crucial for her to recover fully and avoid any further complications that could affect her long-term career.
As she focuses on her recovery, the Indian table tennis community will undoubtedly rally behind her, hoping for her swift return to competition. For now, the focus shifts to how her absence will impact the Jaipur Patriots and how Nithyashree Mani will handle the challenge of competing at the highest level in UTT 2024.
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