Sreeja to lead Indian women’s table tennis team at Asian Games

Telangana paddler Akula Sreeja will lead the Indian women’s table tennis team at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Her coach-cum-mentor Somnath Ghosh will also join the Indian coaching staff, making the event a significant milestone for both

Hyderabad: Akula Sreeja of Telangana will lead the Indian women’s table tennis team and her coach-cum-mentor Somnath Ghosh will be one of the coaches for the Indian team in the Asian Games to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Currently ranked World No. 64, Sreeja will lead a strong Indian women’s team comprising Diya Parag Chitale, Syndrella Das, Yashaswini Deepak Ghorpade and Sutirtha Mukherjee. Apart from leading the team, Sreeja is to compete in the singles, team and doubles events.

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Sreeja said she was delighted with the opportunity to lead the Indian team at the Asian Games.

“I am thrilled to lead the Indian team at the Asian Games. It is a prestigious multi-sport event, and I am really excited about the opportunity to represent India and perform at my best. It is indeed a significant personal and professional milestone for me.”

Somnath, who is in Almaty (Kazakhstan)now, said: “Representing India as a coach and being part of the team led by my student Sreeja is a very special occasion in my career. Sreeja’s achievement is a matter of great pride.”

” It reflects her dedication, hard work and commitment to the sport. I am confident that the entire team will give its best and make the country proud at the Asian Games,” he said.

Somnath thanked the Telangana government and the association for its support and encouragement.