MUMBAI: Ace Indian paddler, Sreeja Akula, can't hide her excitement for being chosen as one of the recipients of this year's prestigious Arjuna award for her brilliant show at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Sreeja won a historic gold in the mixed doubles event alongside veteran and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee Sharath Kamal at the CWG. She is supported by Dream Sports Foundation (DSF), the philanthropic arm of India’s leading sports technology company Dream Sports.
"It is an honour for me to be bestowed with the Arjuna award. Recognition of this kind is very motivating for a young athlete like me, and I want to thank my parents, Somnath Sir, and all my coaches and trainers. This would not have been possible without the support from DSF, Sports Authority of India and Govt. of Telangana who supported me at various junctures. I hope that I can continue to bring more laurels to India and my journey can inspire young girls to take up sports as a career," Sreeja said.
The 24-year-old, who is currently ranked 76th in the world in singles, is also the reigning national champion and is eyeing several international events and the Asian Games next year, as she hopes to bring in more laurels while donning the national jersey.
