Syndrela Das: A Promising Star Shining in Table Tennis

In the bustling world of Indian sports, a 16-year-old prodigy from South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, is making waves. Syndrela Das, a table tennis player who started as a hobbyist, is now one of the country's most promising young athletes. After her double title at the WTT Youth Contender Vadodara, we delve into her journey, mindset, and aspirations.

From a Hobby to a Calling

Syndrela's interest in table tennis began as a child, but it wasn't until a significant victory against a male opponent that she decided to take her passion seriously. This pivotal moment 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 experienced coaches has been instrumental in Syndrela's growth. She spends five to six hours daily under Roy's guidance, honing her skills in both singles and doubles. Her trust in her mentors stems from their success and the knowledge that they have been there.

A Doubles Partnership That Just Clicks

In 2025, Syndrela formed a successful doubles partnership with Divyanshi Bhowmick, becoming the World No. 1 in U19 girls doubles. Despite never pairing before, their chemistry is palpable, with both players listening to each other's commands and maintaining a strong friendship both on and off the table.

Learning to Stay Calm Under Pressure

Syndrela's journey hasn't been without challenges. Early on, she struggled with nerves and excitement, especially against senior players. With the help of mental training, she learned to stay calm, take deep breaths, and focus on each point with passion and aggression.

Balancing Exams, Flights, and Finals

Syndrela's ability to balance academics and sports is remarkable. Last year, she juggled international tournaments with her Class 10 board exams, even skipping training to prepare for academics. Despite being out of practice, she flew in, won an U19 title, flew back, and finished her exams, achieving an impressive 82% score.

Looking Ahead: Senior National Champion

With a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Games already under her belt, Syndrela's aspirations are high. This year, she aims to become the senior national champion. For young girls watching her journey, her message is simple: "Play aggressively, play freely, and just enjoy it. Don't think about it so much. Everything's going to come to you."

Implications for Northeast India and Beyond

Syndrela's success is a testament to the potential talent hidden across India, including the Northeast region. Her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination and passion. As she continues to climb the ranks, Syndrela's achievements will undoubtedly boost the profile of table tennis in India and inspire a new generation of athletes.