Paris Olympics 2024: Manika Batra becomes first Indian table tennis player to enter Olympics Round of 16
Manika Batra scripted history as she became the first Indian table tennis player to advance to the Olympics' singles pre-quarterfinals. Manika beat world number 18 and home favourite Prithika Pavade 4-0 on Monday.
Paris Olympics 2024: Manika Batra scripted history as she became the first Indian table tennis player to advance to the Olympics' singles pre-quarterfinals. Manika beat world number 18 and home favourite Prithika Pavade 4-0 on Monday.
Manika, 29, dominated from start to finish in an 11-9 11-6 11-9 11-7 victory over Prithika, a French player with Indian roots. Pavade's parents were originally from Puducherry before shifting to France in 2003.
It turned out to be one of the most memorable games for an Indian table tennis player in Olympic history. Manika has set a new standard for Indian women's table tennis at the Olympic level by making it past the round of 32.
Achanta Sharath Kamal had also advanced to the round of 32 in men's singles at the Tokyo Olympics.
Despite being ranked 28th in the world, 10 spots below her opponent Pavade, Manika demonstrated her skills and advanced to the next round. Manika improved on her previous best result at the Tokyo Olympics, as she became the first Indian woman to reach the round of 32 in singles competition.