Manika Batra made history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the singles pre-quarterfinals at the Olympic Games, securing a 4-0 victory over world number 18 and home favorite Prithika Pavade in Paris on Monday. The 29-year-old Manika dominated the match from start to finish, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 against Prithika, who has Indian roots. This achievement is one of the most memorable in Indian table tennis history at the Olympics. Previously, Manika had reached the round of 32 at the Tokyo Olympics and bettered that performance this time.
“I am happy that I beat a French player in Paris. I defeated a higher-ranked player. I did not think of creating history and making the pre-quarters; there are more rounds. I will take it match by match and give my best as I always do,” Manika told PTI after her match.
Manika’s strategy to attack Prithika’s backhand proved effective, though it was not her initial plan. “I had planned to play to her forehand as discussed with my coach, but I was getting the points on her backhand, so I did not change the tactics. I did play a few shots on her forehand too, as I did not want her to think that I am playing only on her backhand,” she explained.
“It was a tough match. Staying relaxed helps me both on and off the court. I do breathing exercises that help me during the match. I will give my best whoever I play against in the next round,” she added.
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Prithika’s parents are originally from Puducherry, but the family moved to France in 2003. She was born in a Paris suburb a year later. The 19-year-old Prithika had competed in the Tokyo Olympics, making a first-round exit but has improved significantly since then, currently ranked 18th in the world, while Manika is ranked 28th.
Prithika came into the Olympics with strong momentum, having reached the WTT final for the first time in her career in June. However, she could not overcome Manika, who displayed a commanding performance.
The first game was closely contested, with both players going neck and neck. At 8-8, Manika induced a backhand error from her young rival and closed the game with a ferocious forehand drive that Prithika could not return.
Manika carried this momentum into the second game, taking an early 3-1 lead. Although Prithika fought back to level the scores, Manika’s relentless attack on her backhand earned her points consistently, leading to a 9-6 advantage. Consecutive backhand errors from Prithika gave Manika the second game.
In the third game, Manika quickly gained a 3-0 lead as Prithika struggled with her returns. Despite Prithika’s efforts to make a comeback, Manika maintained her lead and eventually won the game, giving her a 3-0 lead in the match.
The fourth game saw Manika securing a 10-5 lead and five match points. She converted the third match point when Prithika netted her backhand, winning the match in 37 minutes.