I’m looking forward to a great 2025: Sreeja Akula

Sreeja Akula, India's second-highest ranked paddler, aims for success in upcoming tournaments after overcoming injury setbacks in 2025.

Sreeja Akula, at No. 33, India’s second-highest ranked paddler in the world after Manika Batra, hasn’t had a great start to the new year (2025), losing early in all the five tournaments she played.

The 26-year-old from Hyderabad, however, insisted she’s now injury free and is looking forward to the main draw of the WTT Star Contender Chennai beginning on Thursday.

“Yes, definitely we (Indians) have a very good chance to play the quarterfinals in this event. Last year, I was the one who played quarterfinals in Star Contender Goa,” she said.

It’s not just the Star Contender Chennai that Sreeja is looking at. She is also aiming to do well in the World Cup in Macao (from April 14 to 20) followed by the World individual championships in Doha (from May 17 to 25).

“So, after the Olympics, I was injured (hip) and then it took some time for me to come back, but now I’m completely fit and I’m looking forward for a great 2025. And the next big tournament is going to be the World Championships and the World Cup,” she said.

On pairing up with G. Sathiyan in mixed doubles here, Sreeja said, “We’ll just see how it goes and we plan to play together for a long term,” she said.

Sreeja credited the Japanese for their quick reflex and Chinese for power.