Aiming to reach high

Being a name to be reckoned with in the sports field has been a dream that Akula Sreeja, the young tennis player realised with persistent hard work. The table tennis champ who has been playing and practicing the game since she was 12 has made a remarkable appearance in the National Table Tennis Championship held recently.

“I practice about eight hours a day.My practice also includes fitness regimen that starts from 5.30 in the morning.Somnath Sir, my coach has been a major support in my game has been encouraging me for seven years now, she shares. Focus on her goal and perseverance brought her to where she is today. Recently, she won a gold medal in the National North Zone championship under-21 category. She is also ranked the second-best Table Tennis player in India.

Taking an inspiration from the top most female Indian player Manika Batra, Sreeja shares, “I always wanted to be a player like her, she recently won the gold medal in the common wealth games.I wish I receive the same title as she did.”

Striving to reach heights without any aid from the government, she carves her own path, “I work for the RBI as an assistant manager. I can work for 40 hours in a quarter. I am also pursuing my B. Com, third year. My academics or my work do not affect my practice hours. I even go to foreign countries for training.”

Currently preparing for the World championship, Sreeja says, “I have missed the chance of getting into the team of Asian games. I am currently practicing for the World championship; subsequently, I have been practicing for Olympics and I wish to win a gold for my country.

I feel very happy achieving National titles, but right now I am trying to get selected in the women’s category to reach my goal, which is Olympics.” She will be playing in international tournaments at Nigeria in August followed by Czech Republic. “I hope I do well,” she states.

Being a girl never made a difference as her parents have been extremely supportive. “I am very lucky in that way,” she adds, “After winning national championship I met IT Minister, Telangana KT Rama Rao. He promised to support my sport, and I hope that will help me be more focused in the future.” It is important to enjoy your game to the fullest to be able to play it well,” she advices to young girls hoping to make it in the field of sports.