Defeats Olympian Sreeja Akula

Swastika Sandeep Ghosh, a talented table tennis player and student of CKT College, Panvel, clinched the women's singles title at the 51st All India Inter-Institutional Table Tennis Championship. Her remarkable victory included a stunning performance against Olympian Sreeja Akula, ranked number one in India and 23rd in the world. Former MP and people's leader Ramsheth Thakur congratulated Swastika on her extraordinary achievement.

The championship was held from November 24 to 29 at Punjab University Gymnasium Hall, Chandigarh, with participants from across the nation. Representing the Airports Authority of India, Swastika, who trains at the Kharghar Table Tennis Academy, showcased her exceptional skills throughout the competition.

Currently ranked 14th in India and 128th in the world, Swastika earned three medals in the tournament. Alongside her singles title, she secured a runner-up position in the women's doubles and a bronze medal in the team event. The Airports Authority of India team, led by Swastika, emerged as the top-performing contingent, scoring the highest 120 points in the championship.

In the singles final, Swastika triumphed over Sreeja Akula with a decisive 4-2 set score, marking her as the first Inter-Institutional Champion in the event's history.

Swastika’s father and coach, Sandeep Ghosh, expressed pride in her accomplishment, noting that this victory will improve her ranking and strengthen her position in the Indian team. Previously ranked fourth in India in 2021-22, Swastika has represented the country at the World Championships, World Cup, and Commonwealth Games.

Adding to her accolades, Swastika also won a bronze medal at the All India National Ranking Table Tennis Championship North Zone tournament, held from November 16 to 22 in Panchkula, Haryana. Her consistent performances have bolstered her confidence and reinforced her standing as a rising star in Indian table tennis.