News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/5th August 2024
Manika Batra has captured the hearts of millions with her extraordinary performance at the Paris Olympics, where she made history on July 29, 2024. By becoming the first Indian table tennis player to advance to the round of 16 in the Olympic singles competition, Batra has solidified her place in the annals of sports history. Her journey from a young player facing skepticism to a celebrated athlete showcases not only her exceptional talent but also her unwavering determination.
Batra’s remarkable achievement came with a convincing 4-0 victory over France’s Prithika Pavade. Despite being ranked 10 places lower than Pavade, Batra’s superior performance was evident as she won with scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7. This triumph underscores her ability to rise above the competition and achieve significant milestones on the world stage.
Reflecting on her achievement, Batra took to Instagram to share her thoughts: “Reaching the pre-quarterfinals of the Women’s Singles in the Olympics has been a milestone, but I always want more. As long as I have a dream, an aim, I will keep doing my best.” This statement encapsulates her relentless pursuit of excellence and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of her sport.
Born and raised in Delhi, Batra’s journey began at the tender age of four when she was introduced to table tennis by her siblings, Aanchal and Sahil. Her early talent was evident as she clinched victory in a state-level under-8 tournament. Training under coach Sandeep Gupta at Hans Raj Model School marked the beginning of her rise in the sport. Batra’s early achievements included a silver medal in the under-21 category at the 2011 Chile Open, along with notable quarterfinal finishes at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games.
A major turning point in Batra’s career came at the 2015 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, where she won three medals—silver in women’s team and doubles events, and bronze in singles. Despite her success, Batra faced significant criticism and doubt from those who believed that pursuing sports was a waste of time compared to more conventional careers like medicine or engineering. Her mother, Sushma Batra, however, remained steadfast in her belief in her daughter’s potential, supporting her throughout their financial struggles to provide the necessary resources for her training and competitions.
Manika Batra’s success continued with a historic performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. There, she led the Indian team to a gold medal in the women’s team event, defeated Singapore in a stunning upset, and secured India’s first-ever silver medal in women’s doubles, along with a gold in singles. Her achievements were recognized with the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the prestigious Khel Ratna in 2020, marking the pinnacle of national sports honors.
Her subsequent accomplishments include team gold at the 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, and notable performances in various international tournaments. Batra’s career-high world ranking of number four in women’s doubles, achieved with Archana Girish Kamath, further highlights her exceptional skills and dedication.
Manika Batra’s aspirations extend beyond her personal success; she aims to elevate table tennis in India to the same prominence that badminton has achieved, thanks to players like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. Her dedication, reflected in her decision to forego modeling opportunities in her teens to focus on her sport, has not only brought her personal accolades but also inspired a new generation of table tennis players in India.
Manika Batra’s journey from facing doubts to achieving remarkable success exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion, making her a true icon of Indian table tennis.
