Manika Batra made history on Monday by advancing to the round of 16 in the Olympic Games singles competition, marking a first for Indian table tennis. The 29-year-old, who previously won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, achieved a decisive 4-0 victory over the higher-ranked French player Prithika Pavade in Paris.
In a match that showcased her exceptional skills, Manika won 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 against the 19-year-old Pavade, whose parents originally hailed from Puducherry before moving to France in 2003. This achievement set a new standard for Indian women’s table tennis at the Olympics, surpassing her previous best performance from the Tokyo Olympics where she reached the round of 32.
Despite being ranked 28th in the world, 10 positions below her opponent, Manika’s skill and determination secured her place in the next round. This victory not only highlights her talent but also underscores her ability to compete at the highest level.
Prithika Pavade, a left-handed player, entered the Olympics following a strong performance, including her first WTT final in June. However, she struggled against Manika’s dominant display. The opening game was closely contested, but Manika’s powerful forehand and strategic play secured the win. She continued to dominate in the second game, overcoming Pavade’s attempts to even the score by targeting her backhand.
In the third game, Manika quickly established a lead, and despite a brief rally from Prithika, maintained her advantage through strategic play. The fourth game saw Manika’s powerful forehand give her a 10-5 lead, and she clinched the match on the third match point when Prithika hit her backhand into the net, concluding the match in just 37 minutes.
This victory not only sets a new benchmark for Indian table tennis but also highlights Manika Batra’s potential to make further strides on the international stage.
