India’s table tennis ace Manika Batra scripted history on Monday, becoming the first Indian paddler to reach the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics with a stunning 4-0 victory over France’s Prithika Pavade in the women’s singles round of 32 at the Paris 2024 Games.
The 28th-ranked Indian displayed exceptional composure and skill to dismantle the 18th-seeded Pavade, winning in straight games with scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7. The match, played in front of a partisan French crowd, was a testament to Batra’s mental fortitude and her ability to rise to the occasion.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win against a top-ranked player like Prithika on her home turf,” Batra said after the match. “I’m thrilled to have made it to the pre-quarters and will give my best in the next round.”
The first game was a closely contested affair with both players trading blows. However, Batra managed to edge it out 11-9. The Indian then dominated the second game, winning comfortably by 11-6. The third game was another tight contest, but Batra held her nerve to clinch it 11-9.
In the fourth game, she raced to a 10-4 lead before Pavade made a valiant effort to stage a comeback. But Batra was too strong and closed out the match with a final score of 11-7.
Batra will now face either Hong Kong China’s Zhu Chengzhu or Japan’s eighth seed Miu Hirano in the pre-quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, India’s other women’s singles hope, Sreeja Akula, also progressed to the round of 32 with a convincing 4-0 win over Sweden’s Christina Kallberg. She will face Singapore’s Zeng Jian in the next round.
The Indian men’s singles campaign, however, ended in disappointment with Sharath Kamal and Harmeet Desai bowing out in the round of 16.
India will also be competing in the team events. The men’s team, comprising Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, and Manav Thakkar, face a formidable challenge against four-time champions China in the first round. The women’s team, consisting of Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath, will play Romania in their opening match.
