Indian table tennis player Sreeja Akula celebrated her 26th birthday in style by advancing to the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s singles event at the Paris Olympics. In a thrilling round of 32 match on Wednesday, Sreeja secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Singapore’s Jian Zeng, marking a significant achievement for Indian table tennis.

Sreeja’s match was a rollercoaster, as she lost the opening game 9-11 but quickly rallied to win the next two games 12-10 and 11-4. Despite dropping the fifth game 10-12, Sreeja held her nerve to close out the match in the sixth game with a 12-10 win, completing the contest in 51 minutes.

Her victory ensures that India has two players in the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s singles event, an unprecedented feat for the country in Olympic table tennis. Sreeja now joins compatriot Manika Batra, who also advanced to the pre-quarterfinals earlier in the tournament.

This achievement marks a historic moment for Indian table tennis, as both players continue their quest for Olympic glory in the upcoming rounds.