Manika Batra Stuns French Favorite Prithika Pavade

In a historic feat, Manika Batra has become the first Indian table tennis player to advance to the round of 16 in the Olympic Games singles competition. The 29-year-old showcased her skill and determination by defeating France’s Prithika Pavade in a commanding 4-0 victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Dominant Performance in Round of 32

Manika, ranked 28th in the world, faced the 19-year-old French player Pavade, who holds the 18th spot in the global rankings. Despite the difference in rankings, Manika delivered a stellar performance, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 at the South Paris Arena 4.

"The first game was tightly contested, with both players matching each other point for point," Manika remarked. "It was an amazing feeling to win against a higher-ranked player on her home turf."

Historic Achievement for Indian Table Tennis

Manika’s victory not only secured her a spot in the pre-quarterfinals but also set a new benchmark for Indian women’s table tennis at the Olympic level. Previously, she had made history at the Tokyo Olympics by reaching the round of 32. This win surpasses her previous best performance and solidifies her place in Indian sporting history.

Strategic Gameplay and Focused Execution

In the first game, the score was tied at 8-8 before Manika's strategic play forced a backhand error from Pavade, allowing her to take the lead. Building on this momentum, she dominated the second game, quickly establishing a 3-1 advantage and eventually winning it 11-6.

Pavade, determined to stay in the match, battled back in the third game but couldn't overcome Manika’s precise targeting of her backhand. Manika secured the third game 11-9 and maintained her dominance in the fourth, winning 11-7 to close out the match in just 37 minutes.

Next Challenge and Team Events

Following her impressive win, Manika will face either Hong Kong China’s Zhu Chengzhu or Japan’s eighth-seeded Miu Hirano in the pre-quarterfinals. Additionally, the Indian women's team, comprising Manika, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath, is set to play Romania in the team competitions.

Meanwhile, Sreeja Akula will attempt to join Manika in the round of 16. Akula, ranked 25th, is scheduled to play Zeng Jian of Singapore in the round of 32 after defeating Sweden’s Christina Kallberg 4-0 in the round of 64.

Men’s Singles and Team Challenges

India’s campaign in the men’s singles ended early with the exits of Sharath Kamal and Harmeet Desai in the round of 16. The Indian men’s team faces a challenging first-round match against four-time champions China.

Manika Batra’s remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics has not only elevated her status but also brought pride to Indian table tennis, inspiring future generations of athletes.