Manika Batra Makes History at Olympic Games: First Indian Table Tennis Player to Reach Singles Prequarterfinals

Manika Batra achieved a historic milestone as she became the first Indian table tennis player to advance to the singles prequarterfinals at the Olympic Games after securing a decisive 4-0 victory against the world number 18 and local favorite, Prithika Pavade, on Monday. The 29-year-old Manika displayed dominance throughout the match, clinching a solid 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 win over Prithika, who has her roots in India. This match will be remembered as one of the most remarkable performances by an Indian table tennis player in Olympic history. Manika had previously reached the round of 32 at the Tokyo Olympics and she surpassed that achievement on Monday. “I am pleased with my victory over a French player in Paris. Defeating a higher-ranked opponent was satisfying. I wasn’t aiming to make history by reaching the prequarterfinals, there are more rounds to go, and I will approach each match with my best effort as always,” stated Manika after her victory. Despite the effective tactic of targeting Prithika’s backhand during the match, it was not the initial strategy planned by Manika. Prithika’s family originally hails from Puducherry, but they relocated to France in 2003. Prithika, who is 19 years old, participated in the Tokyo Olympics, exiting in the first round, yet she has shown significant improvement since then, currently holding the 18th position in the world rankings compared to Manika’s 28th rank.