Indian table tennis star Manika Batra etched her name in history on Monday by becoming the first athlete from India to reach the Round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She achieved this remarkable feat by securing a convincing victory over France’s 12th-seeded Prithika Pavade in the women’s singles event.
Batra, the 18th seed in the tournament, displayed exceptional skill and composure throughout the match. After a closely contested first game, she established a comfortable lead in the subsequent games, showcasing her dominance. However, Pavade made a late surge in the final game, putting pressure on the Indian paddler. Undeterred, Batra held her nerve and closed out the match with a decisive 11-7 victory, securing her place in the Round of 16.
With this historic win, Manika Batra has not only secured a place in the later stages of the Olympic table tennis competition but has also become the first Indian athlete to achieve this distinction in the sport’s history. Her impressive performance has ignited hopes for further success and inspired a generation of aspiring table tennis players in India.
