Manika Batra made a big mark in Olympic historical past by turning into the primary Indian desk tennis participant to advance to the singles pre-quarterfinals. Her journey to this achievement was highlighted by a commanding 4-0 victory over Prithika Pavade, a proficient 19-year-old and the world quantity 18, on Monday.
HISTORIC MOMENT. 🔥
Manika Batra turns into the primary Indian Desk Tennis participant to qualify into R-16 in Olympics historical past…!!! 👌 pic.twitter.com/Aez0cYRavR— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 30, 2024
At 29, Batra delivered a formidable efficiency with scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7. This victory was notably significant because it represented a notable enchancment from her earlier Olympic look in Tokyo, the place she had reached the spherical of 32. On this event, Batra’s mix of strategic perception and technical ability propelled her to a brand new stage of success.
Prithika Pavade, who was born in Paris to folks from Puducherry, entered the match with excessive expectations. Having competed within the Tokyo Olympics and made headlines along with her efficiency within the WTT remaining earlier this 12 months, Pavade was a formidable opponent. Regardless of her sturdy credentials and up to date successes, she discovered herself outmatched by Batra’s tactical brilliance.
Proper on the Mani 😍
Manika Batra turns into the primary Indian paddler to succeed in the Spherical of 16 in Olympics historical past.#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/cop2arKWXJ— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) July 29, 2024
Batra’s recreation plan concerned a strategic concentrate on Pavade’s backhand—a transfer she tailored throughout the match and which turned out to be essential. The opening recreation was a nail-biter, with each gamers preventing exhausting. At 8-8, Batra seized a chance when Pavade made a backhand error, ending the sport with a strong forehand drive.
Batra’s momentum carried her into the second recreation, the place she rapidly constructed a 3-1 lead. Although Pavade managed to even the rating briefly, Batra’s relentless concentrating on of Pavade’s backhand allowed her to tug forward and win the sport 11-6. By the third recreation, Batra had gained a robust lead, and regardless of Pavade’s makes an attempt to return again, Batra took the sport 11-9, securing a 3-0 benefit.
Manika Batra creates Historical past!!!
Turns into the primary Indian 🇮🇳 #TableTennis participant to qualify for Spherical of 16 in Olympics.
And what a strategy to do it. 💪#IndiaAtOlympics #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/27RZOSmi3y— Sanjana Ganesan 🇮🇳 (@iSanjanaGanesan) July 29, 2024
Within the fourth recreation, Batra’s dominance was clear as she established a 10-5 lead. With 5 match factors in her favor, she secured the win on the third try when Pavade made one other backhand error, concluding the match in simply 37 minutes.
MANIKA BATRA IS THE FIRST INDIAN TO QUALIFY INTO R-16 IN OLYMPIC HISTORY IN TABLE TENNIS 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Cq0ZIJjlOH— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 29, 2024
Queen👑
Please hold india flag fly excessive— Ujjawal kumar (@sonuujjawal26) July 29, 2024
She was too good 🔥— koach. (@KOHLIdeGOAT) July 29, 2024
Batra’s victory is greater than only a private milestone; it represents a significant second for Indian desk tennis, highlighting the game’s rising competitiveness and ability. Her efficiency not solely solidifies her place as a number one determine in Indian desk tennis but in addition units a brand new customary for future gamers.
