Indian tennis star Manika Batra has emerged as a pivotal figure in the realm of Indian women’s table tennis. Her exceptional talent and dedication over the past years has been commendable.
Alongside Batra, numerous Indian women paddlers have made significant strides on the global stage. Now, at 29, Batra is confident that India has a real chance to secure its first table tennis medal at the Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Batra played a crucial role in leading the Indian women’s team to qualify for the Paris Olympics, marking a historic first for Indian table tennis. Her individual achievements have also been remarkable.
In May, she reached the quarter-finals of the WTT Saudi Smash, defeating high-ranking opponents such as World No. 2 and former world champion Wang Manyu of China and World No. 14 Nina Mittelham of Germany.
“India qualified for the first time, this is a huge achievement… I am really happy with how we are working together (at the camp). I think we have a shot at the medal and we should give our best,” Batra said during an interview with Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT).
The growth of women’s table tennis in India has been inspiring. Batra highlighted the progress made by her fellow players, noting the increased motivation and rigorous training within the team.
“The growth of women’s table tennis in India is really inspiring. I see many of my fellow players playing really well. Everyone in the team is motivated and training very hard. Women’s table tennis in India will only grow further for sure,” she added.
Batra credited the Ultimate Table Tennis league for providing young Indian players with invaluable exposure by allowing them to compete against international stars. “UTT really helped us because we get to practice with foreign players, play matches [against them]. We get good match practice,” Batra said.
As Batra prepares for the Paris Olympics, she reflects on the lessons learned from her experience at the Tokyo Olympics. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on one match at a time, despite her ultimate goal of securing a medal.
“I have learned many things from the last Olympics, and I am not going to make those mistakes again. My mindset has changed since then, I am calmer and have more confidence in myself. I have been working on my stamina and my agility, and my ultimate aim is to challenge for a medal.
“But, I will go slowly. I will try to be in that zone and give my best. I will go round by round and not think of a medal too early. I will give my best for my country,” Batra, who represents PBG Bengaluru Smashers in UTT, said.
India will compete in both individual and team events of table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Following the Olympics, star Indian paddlers, including Batra, Achanta Sharath Kamal, Sreeja Akula, and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, will join world-class players such as World No. 10 Bernadette Szocs and Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna in the IndianOil UTT 2024. This event is scheduled to take place in Chennai from August 22 to September 7.
