Manika Batra Makes History: Manika Batra made history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the singles pre-quarterfinals at the Olympic Games with a decisive 4-0 victory over world number 18 and local favorite Prithika Pavade on Monday.
The 29-year-old Manika dominated from start to finish, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 against Prithika, who has Indian roots.
This match was one of the most memorable for an Indian table tennis player in Olympic history. Manika had previously reached the round of 32 at the Tokyo Olympics and surpassed that achievement on Monday.
“I am happy that I beat a French player in Paris. I defeated a higher-ranked player. I did not think of creating history and making the pre-quarters; there are more rounds. I will take it match by match and give my best as I always do,” Manika told media after her match.
Manika’s strategy to attack Prithika’s backhand proved very effective, though it wasn’t the original plan.
“I had planned to play to her forehand as discussed with my coach, but I was getting the points on her backhand, so I did not change tactics. I did play a few shots on her forehand too; I did not want her to think that I was only targeting her backhand.
“It was a tough match. Staying relaxed helps me both on and off the court. I do breathing exercises that help me during the match. I will give my best against whoever I play next,” she said.
Prithika’s parents are originally from Puducherry, but the family moved to France in 2003, and she was born in a Paris suburb a year later.
The 19-year-old Prithika had competed in the Tokyo Olympics, making a first-round exit but has improved significantly since then, currently ranked 18th in the world compared to Manika’s rank of 28.
Left-handed Prithika entered the Olympics on a high note, having reached the WTT final for the first time in her career in June, but could not find a way past Manika’s commanding performance.
The first game was tightly contested, with both players going point for point. At 8-8, Manika forced a backhand error from her young rival and closed the game with a powerful forehand drive that Prithika couldn’t return.
Manika maintained her momentum in the second game, taking a 3-1 lead.
Prithika fought back to level the scores, forcing errors from the Indian. However, Manika’s attack on Prithika’s backhand consistently earned her points. She quickly led 9-6. Consecutive backhand errors from Prithika gave Manika the second game.
There was no stopping the experienced Indian, who gained a solid 3-0 advantage in game three as Prithika struggled with her returns.
A determined Prithika scored her first point with a powerful forehand winner. With a 5-1 lead, Manika continued targeting the backhand side of the French player, making it 8-4.
Trailing 5-10, Prithika rallied to take four consecutive points, but Manika needed just one more to win the game. The home favorite netted a backhand drive, conceding the game and a 3-0 lead to the Indian.
A powerful forehand gave Manika a 10-5 lead in the fourth game and five match points. She converted the third when Prithika netted her backhand, securing the match in 37 minutes.