India’s high hopes of a table tennis medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics were dashed on Wednesday as both Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula bowed out of the women’s singles competition in the round of 16.
Despite creating history by becoming the first Indian women to reach this stage, neither could advance further.
Manika Batra, India’s top-ranked player, faced a tough challenge against Japan’s Miu Hirano, the silver medalist from Tokyo 2020. Although she fought valiantly, eventually succumbing to Hirano 4-1 (6-11, 9-11, 12-10, 8-11, 6-11), Manika displayed resilience and determination.
“I wanted to be the first to win a medal. It’s OK. It happens. Maybe next time,” Manika said. “I’ll give my best for my country.”
Sreeja Akula, celebrating her 26th birthday, faced a daunting task against world number one Sun Yingsha. Despite a promising start, Akula couldn’t maintain the momentum and was defeated 4-0 (10-12, 10-12, 8-11, 3-11) by the dominant Chinese player.
Earlier in the day, both players had progressed to the round of 16 with hard-fought victories. Manika defeated a tough opponent, while Sreeja staged a comeback to secure her spot.
While the singles campaign has concluded, India’s table tennis contingent still has much to play for. The team events, a first-time appearance for India, begin on August 5.
With the experience gained from the singles competition, the team will be aiming to make a strong impact and potentially challenge for a medal.
Borgohain Advances, Sets Up Tough Quarterfinal Clash
Elsewhere Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain secured a comfortable passage to the quarterfinals of the women’s 75kg boxing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, defeating Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad by unanimous decision.
The Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist exhibited her prowess in the ring, overcoming an aggressive start from her opponent. Borgohain’s strategic boxing and powerful blows proved decisive, earning her a 5-0 victory.
With this win, Borgohain is one step away from securing an Olympic medal, as boxing awards two bronze medals. However, her path to the podium is far from easy. In the quarterfinals, she will face the formidable Li Qian of the Republic of China. Both boxers have a history of intense rivalry, having met in the finals of the Asian Games and semifinals of the World Championships last year.
Meanwhile, India’s Nishant Dev also advanced to the quarterfinals of the men’s 71kg category, defeating Ecuador’s Jose Rodriguez Tenorio in a closely contested match. He will now face Mexico’s Marco Verde.
As the Indian boxing contingent continues its Olympic journey, all eyes will be on Nikhat Zareen, who will face reigning world champion Wu Yu of China in the women’s 50kg round of 16.
