Manika Batra created history as she became the maiden Indian table tennis player to advance to the singles pre-quarterfinals at the Olympic Games after securing a decisive 4-0 victory against the 18th-ranked player in the world and home favourite Prithika Pavade in Paris on Monday. The 29-year-old Manika dominated from start to finish, securing an 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 win over Prithika, who has Indian roots. This match turned out to be one of the most memorable moments for an Indian table tennis player in Olympic history. Manika advanced to the round of 32 at the Tokyo Olympics, and on Monday, she surpassed that achievement.
Manika expressed her joy after the match, stating that she was happy to have beaten a French player in Paris and defeated a higher-ranked opponent. She added that she did not think of creating history and making it to the pre-quarters but instead focused on taking it match by match and giving her best as always.
Manika's strategy to attack Prithika's backhand proved very effective, although it was not the original plan. She had initially planned to target Prithika's forehand, as discussed with her coach, but changed tactics when she found success with the backhand shots. Manika also played a few shots to Prithika's forehand to keep her guessing.
Manika mentioned that staying relaxed helps her both on and off the court. She practices breathing exercises that assist her during matches and she is committed to giving her best in the next round, regardless of the opponent.
Prithika's parents are originally from Puducherry, but the family moved to France in 2003 and one year later she born in a Paris suburb. The 19-year-old Prithika had competed in the Tokyo Olympics, making a first-round exit but has improved considerably since then, achieving a world ranking of 18, compared to Manika's rank of 28.
Left-handed Prithika entered the Olympics after a splendid run where she reached the WTT final for the first time in her career in June. However, she could not find a way past Manika, who delivered a commanding performance.
The first game was tightly contested, with both players going neck and neck. With the score tied at 8-8, Manika forced a backhand mistake from her younger opponent and finished the game with a powerful forehand shot that Prithika was unable to return. Manika carried the momentum into the second game, taking a 3-1 lead. Although Prithika fought back to level the scores, Manika's attack on Prithika's backhand earned her consistent points, and she quickly secured the second game.
In the third game, Manika gained a healthy 3-0 cushion as Prithika struggled with her returns. A desperate Prithika managed her first point with a thumping forehand winner, but Manika maintained her lead, eventually taking the game. In the fourth game, Manika gained a 10-5 lead with a ferocious forehand and converted the third of her five match points when Prithika netted her backhand, winning the match in 37 minutes.
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