How Manika Batra set a new benchmark for Indian table tennis
The 26-year-old was the first Indian table tennis player to reach the third round of singles at the Olympics
Even though Manika Batra’s Tokyo 2020 campaign came to an end on Monday, the 26-year-old had already broken new ground for Indian table tennis.
Her brilliant comeback win over Margaryta Pesotska in the second round on Sunday had made her the first Indian table tennis player to enter the third round at the Olympics. India has consistently featured in the indoor sport ever since it was introduced to the Olympic programme in 1988.
And Batra, ranked 63 in the world had earned it the hard way. She battled to score a 4-11, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-7 win over the Ukranian in 57 minutes. Even when she was down during the contest -- by two games to nil and then three games to two – against a player ranked 31 places above her, the Indian never panicked or lost control.
She kept the ball in play with some smart defense and when she had her opponent out of position, was quick to pull the trigger.
“Manika was really great,” Achanta Sharath Kamal, the experienced Indian camapigner, told Olympics.com. The two had teamed up together for the mixed doubles event but fell on the first hurdle.
“Yesterday's win was fantastic and also came to the third round. (It was) commendable from her to really get there at this stage of her career. At the 2024 Olympic Games she really has a great opportunity to win that medal.”
Batra was reportedly distraught after going down in straight games to Austria’s Sofia Polcanova on Monday, but she has been one of the more inspiring Indian athletes at these Games.
“I will keep working hard and one day I will being a medal for India,” the Delhi girl said in a live video after the match.
She had competed at Rio 2016 as well but was knocked out in the opening round. Despite the disruptions in training and competition schedule due to the second wave of pandemic this year, Batra was able to give a good account of herself.
Sharath Kamal is competing at his fourth Olympics, having made his debut at Athens 2004. And quick on Batra’s heels, he also progressed to the third round.
The 38-year-old, who is playing possibly the best table tennis of his life, defeated Portugal's Tiago Apolonia 2-11, 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9 on Monday to enter the round of 32.
Sharath Kamal will take on defending champion Ma Long of China on Tuesday.