A Star in the Making: Syndrela Das' Journey in Table Tennis
In the bustling world of Indian sports, a 16-year-old from South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, is making waves. Syndrela Das, a promising table tennis player, recently clinched two titles at the WTT Youth Contender Vadodara, adding another feather to her cap.
From Hobby to Calling
Syndrela's journey into table tennis began as a childhood pastime, but a fateful victory against a male opponent at a mixed tournament sparked a passion that has since propelled her to the top. This turning point led her to the Dhanuka Dhunseri Soumyadeep Poulomi Table Tennis Academy, where she started her professional training under former international players Soumyadeep Roy and Poulomi Ghatak.
Learning from the Best
Training under accomplished athletes like Roy and Ghatak has been instrumental in Syndrela's development. The focus is not on grand speeches or shortcuts, but on consistent hard work and learning from those who have been there. Syndrela credits her trainers for their guidance and trust, which has played a significant role in her growth.
A Doubles Partnership Built on Trust and Friendship
In October 2025, Syndrela formed a formidable doubles partnership with Divyanshi Bhowmick, reaching the World No. 1 position in U19 girls doubles. Despite never pairing before, their chemistry is palpable, stemming from their deep understanding of each other's games and a strong bond of friendship.
Mastering Mental Strength
Syndrela's journey has not been without its challenges. Early on, she struggled with nerves and excitement, often losing points against senior players. However, mental training has been just as crucial as physical preparation, helping her stay calm under pressure and focus on each point.
Juggling Exams, Flights, and Finals
Balancing international tournaments with academics is no easy feat, especially when you're a teenager. Last year, Syndrela managed to balance her Class 10 board exams with her table tennis commitments, even skipping training to focus on her studies. Her dedication paid off, as she finished her exams with an impressive 82% score.
Looking Ahead: Senior National Champion and Beyond
With a bronze medal from the Asian Youth Games already under her belt, Syndrela's sights are set on bigger goals. Her ambition for 2026 is to become the senior national champion. To young girls watching her journey, her message is simple: play aggressively, play freely, and enjoy the game.
Syndrela's story is a testament to the spirit of determination and resilience that defines the North East region and, by extension, India. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, reminding us that with hard work, focus, and a little bit of luck, dreams can become reality.