Manika Batra of India showcased an outstanding performance on Monday, July 29, according to Central European Time, as she secured a decisive victory over Pritihika Pavade of France in straight games of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7. This victory marks a significant milestone for Manika, as she becomes the first Indian table tennis player to advance to the pre-quarterfinals at the Summer Olympics.
The path to victory was not an easy one for Manika, as she faced a formidable opponent in the form of the local crowd favorite, Prithika Pavade. With her Indian roots and a strong support system behind her, Prithika emerged as a tough competitor. Having recently achieved a notable feat by making her first WTT final in June and currently holding the 18th rank globally, Prithika posed a considerable challenge for Manika.
Despite being ranked 10 places higher than her opponent, Manika demonstrated exceptional skill and agility throughout the match. The Delhi-born athlete strategically outplayed Prithika, thwarting any attempt by the French player to gain momentum. Following her remarkable win, Manika expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I am happy that I beat a French player in Paris. I defeated a higher-ranked player. I did not think of creating history and making the pre-quarters, there are more rounds, I will take it match by match and give my best as I always do,” in an interview with PTI.
Manika further disclosed that she and her coach had devised a meticulous plan to target Prithika’s forehand during the match. However, upon observing Prithika’s vulnerabilities on her backhand, Manika adapted her strategy accordingly. She elaborated, “I had planned to play to her forehand as discussed with my coach but I was getting the points on her backhand, so I did not change the tactics. It was a tough match. Staying relaxed helps me both on and off the court. I do breathing exercises that help me during the match. I will give my best to whoever I play against in the next round.”
With her exceptional skills and unwavering determination, Manika Batra has not only made her mark in the history of Indian table tennis but has also positioned herself as a fierce contender at the upcoming rounds of the Olympics. As she progresses to the pre-quarterfinals, the anticipation for her future matches continues to grow among fans and enthusiasts alike. Manika’s remarkable journey at the 2024 Olympics is a testament to her resilience and dedication, setting the stage for an exciting and promising competition ahead.
