Manika Batra, 29, made history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the singles pre-quarterfinals at the Olympic Games. She achieved this with a dominant 4-0 win over world number 18, Prithika Pavade, on Monday. Prithika, who has Indian roots, couldn’t withstand Manika’s excellent performance.
Match Highlights
Manika controlled the match from start to finish, winning with scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7. This victory is one of the most memorable moments in Indian table tennis history at the Olympics. Manika had previously reached the round of 32 at the Tokyo Olympics, but she surpassed that performance in Paris.
Manika’s Reaction
After the match, Manika expressed her happiness about defeating a higher-ranked French player in Paris. She didn’t focus on creating history but is now looking forward to the next rounds, taking it one match at a time. She emphasized her strategy of attacking Prithika’s backhand, which proved very effective, even though it wasn’t her initial plan.
Strategy and Execution
Manika initially planned to target Prithika’s forehand but found success with her backhand, so she adjusted her tactics during the match. She mixed her shots to keep Prithika guessing. Manika also mentioned that staying relaxed and doing breathing exercises helped her during the match.
Prithika’s Background
Prithika Pavade, 19, has parents originally from Puducherry, India, but the family moved to France in 2003. She was born in a Paris suburb in 2004. Prithika competed in the Tokyo Olympics, where she exited in the first round, but has since improved her ranking to 18th in the world, while Manika is ranked 28th.
Match Details
The first game was closely contested, with both players going neck and neck until Manika edged out at the end. Manika carried her momentum into the second game, quickly taking the lead. Although Prithika fought back, Manika’s consistent attacks on her backhand secured the game.
In the third game, Manika took an early lead, and despite Prithika’s efforts to close the gap, Manika maintained her advantage. She won the third game with a strong backhand attack.
In the fourth game, Manika gained a significant lead with her powerful forehand shots. She eventually won the match when Prithika netted her backhand, concluding the match in 37 minutes.
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Source: The Indian Express
