Indian Table Tennis Star Shrija Akula Wins First WTT Contender Title

Shrija Akula, a leading Indian table‑tennis player, won the singles title at the WTT Contender tournament held in Lagos, Nigeria, in June 2024, defeating China's Ding Yi Jie 4‑1. She also captured the women’s doubles crown with partner Archana Kamath at the same event. Akula previously earned mixed‑doubles gold with Sharath Kamal at the Commonwealth Games and secured gold medals in women’s doubles and team events at the 2019 South Asian Games. Recognised for her contributions to the sport, she received the Arjuna Award in 2022. Born in Hyderabad in 1998, Akula rose through national championships before breaking through on the global stage.