Introduction
Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra are the highest-seeded Olympic 2024 Indian Team players in the table tennis tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The tournament begins on July 27, and both players aim to perform exceptionally well. This article provides an overview of their achievements and expectations for the upcoming Olympics.
Sreeja Akula Rises in Rankings
Sreeja Akula, ranked 16th in the world, leads as the top Indian women’s singles player. Last month, she achieved a career-best ranking of No. 24 in the world, surpassing Manika Batra. As a two-time national champion, Sreeja made history by winning the WTT Contender singles title in Lagos in June. She also clinched the doubles title with Archana Kamath.
Manika Batra Shows Consistent Performance
Manika Batra, ranked 18th, is just two spots behind Sreeja Akula. As a former Commonwealth Games champion, Manika reached the quarterfinals of the Saudi Smash women’s singles in May, becoming the first Indian to reach the last eight of a WTT Grand Smash event. The Paris 2024 Olympics will mark her third consecutive appearance.
Sharath Kamal’s Veteran Presence
Sharath Kamal, a two-time Commonwealth Games men’s singles champion, prepares to make his fifth Olympic appearance. He is seeded 24th at the Paris 2024 Olympics. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he achieved his best finish by reaching the third round. The 41-year-old veteran continues to be a significant figure in Indian table tennis.
Harmeet Desai’s Olympic Debut
National champion Harmeet Desai, ranked 86th in the world, is seeded 49th and will make his Olympic debut at Paris 2024. His participation adds depth to the Indian team, which debuts in the team table tennis events at the Olympics.
Indian Teams at Paris 2024
India will debut in both the men’s and women’s team events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The men’s team, seeded 14th, includes Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, and Manav Thakkar. The women’s team, seeded 11th, features Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Kamath. Both teams aim to compete fiercely and secure top positions.
Absence in Mixed Doubles
Despite strong performances in singles and team events, India will not compete in the mixed doubles tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. All six Indian table tennis players qualified for the Olympics through their world rankings, showcasing their individual strengths and the overall improvement in Indian table tennis.
Expectations for Paris 2024
The table tennis events at the Paris 2024 Olympics will take place from July 27 to August 10 at the South Paris Arena. The Indian team, led by Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra, aims to excel in both singles and team events. Their recent achievements and rising rankings have raised hopes for a strong showing at the Olympics.
Conclusion
Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra lead the charge for Indian table tennis at the Paris Olympic 2024 Indian Team. With experienced players like Sharath Kamal and promising newcomers like Harmeet Desai, the Indian team is poised to make a significant impact. Fans eagerly await their performances, hoping for historic achievements in Paris. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365 and Olympic 2024 Indian Team.
