What Inspiring Advice Did Sreeja Give to Young TT Star Divyanshi?

Ahmedabad, June 26 (NationPress) Olympic champion Sreeja Akula recently engaged with 15-year-old table tennis prodigy Divyanshi Bhowmick during the Dream UTT Juniors event. This enlightening discussion highlighted the camaraderie between two generations of Indian table tennis athletes.

Divyanshi, who secured a gold medal at the Dream Sports Championship Table Tennis in March, expressed her excitement about participating in the Dream UTT Juniors, stating, “Seeing top players in action, training alongside them, and watching you play live was simply amazing.”

Ranked third in the U-15 category, the young talent has already made headlines by challenging seasoned players, showcasing the evolving landscape of Indian table tennis.

When Divyanshi inquired about Sreeja's toughest moments on the court, Sreeja shared, “There have been many demanding matches that imparted valuable lessons. During the Commonwealth Games, I was on the brink of defeat in the quarter-finals against Mo Zhang. I constantly reminded myself to concentrate on each point rather than the score. Similarly, in the Paris Olympics against Sun Yingsha, I led 10-5 in the first two games, but the dynamics changed significantly.”

“The key takeaway from the Olympics was to avoid becoming complacent when ahead. I focused too much on just keeping the ball in play instead of being aggressive. My advice to young athletes is to have faith in yourself, trust the process and your team, and persistently strive for improvement,” Sreeja advised.

Her insights carry substantial weight, given her experience at the highest levels of competition, including playing a pivotal role in advancing the Jaipur Patriots to the semifinals in the ongoing Ultimate Table Tennis. “Rather than fixating on outcomes, focus on the journey and aim for daily improvements,” she added.

In a touching revelation, Divyanshi, a young player for the Stanley’s Chennai Lions, shared how the pandemic ignited her passion for table tennis: “During lockdown, we got a table at home, and I practiced every day with my dad and sister. The more I played, the more I fell in love with the sport, leading to victories.”

Both athletes praised the Dream Sports Foundation's influence on their careers. Since 2021, Sreeja has benefitted from their support, stating, “Their assistance came at a crucial time when I needed sponsorship... It was more than just financial; they connected me with a dietician and mental trainer and provided exposure to international competitions.”

Divyanshi's ambitions are clear: “My ultimate goal is to win an Olympic medal for India and break into the world's top 10. We're committed to putting in the effort daily.” Sreeja responded with encouragement, saying, “With your playing style, you’re bound to achieve it.”

Sreeja's daily regimen exemplifies the dedication needed at elite levels. “Discipline on and off the court is vital since I dedicate at least 2 hours daily to fitness, which is crucial for injury prevention,” she explained.

The conversation included lighter moments that revealed the personalities of both athletes. Divyanshi identified her sports heroes as “Manika Batra... and you,” addressing Sreeja with a smile, while Sreeja cited cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as her role model.

During a rapid-fire round, Divyanshi expressed her desire to meet world champion and Olympic gold medalist Chen Meng, while Sreeja noted that her coach, Somnath Ghosh, infuses energy into practice sessions.

Divyanshi is currently preparing for the upcoming Asian Championships with aspirations of representing India at the Olympics, while Sreeja continues to inspire future generations.