Indian table tennis star Manika Batra, wiser after her maiden Olympics appearance in Tokyo, is focusing on a match-by-match approach for the upcoming Paris Games, avoiding early thoughts of winning a medal. Reflecting on her experience from the Tokyo Olympics, Batra mentioned that she has learned valuable lessons and aims to avoid past mistakes. Her confidence and mindset have improved, leading her to work diligently on her stamina and agility with the ultimate goal of competing for a medal.
Strategic Approach to Paris
Batra, a key player for PBG Bengaluru Smashers in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), emphasized the importance of taking it slow and concentrating on each round. “I will try to be in that zone and give my best. I will go round by round and not think of a medal too early,” Batra stated. Her contributions were pivotal in the Indian women’s table tennis team qualifying for the Paris Olympics, marking a historic first for India.
Recent Success and Preparation
In May, Batra reached the quarter-finals of the WTT Saudi Smash, securing significant victories over top-ranked players such as World No. 2 Wang Manyu of China and World No. 14 Nina Mittelham of Germany. She expressed her optimism about India’s prospects at the Olympics, praising the growth of women’s table tennis in India and the motivation within the team.
Impact of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT)
Batra credited UTT for its role in enhancing Indian players’ skills by providing them with opportunities to practice and compete against foreign players. “UTT really helped us because we get to practice with foreign players, play matches (against them). We get good match practice,” she highlighted.
Future Competitions and Goals
Post-Olympics, Batra and other top Indian paddlers like Sharath Kamal, Sreeja Akula, and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran will participate in UTT 2024, which will feature global stars such as World No. 10 Bernadette Szocs and Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna. The Indian team is set to compete in both individual and team events in Paris, aiming to showcase their best performance on the global stage.
Conclusion
With renewed focus and lessons learned from her past, Manika Batra is determined to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics. Her journey reflects a blend of strategic planning, rigorous training, and a strong support system through UTT, setting the stage for a promising performance in Paris.
