Manika Batra, an Indian table tennis player, crushed Prithika Pavade of France in the women’s singles round of 32 at the Paris Olympics. Batra secured a comfortable 4-0 win over her French rival, winning by scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7. Batra rallied from a two-point deficit to win the first game, 11-9. The Indian player then easily won the second game, with a five-point lead. Despite Pavade’s efforts to fight in the third game, Manika Batra won 11-9.

Batra defeated Anna Hursey of Great Britain in the round of 64. The 29-year-old Indian paddler provided a great effort, winning 11-8, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, and 11-5 to advance to the round of 32. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olympics Khel wrote, right on the Mani. Manika Batra becomes the first Indian paddler to reach the Round of 16 in Olympics history.

Batra remained calm under pressure throughout the match. The third game was especially intense, with the young Anna Hursey leading 8-7 at one point. However, Batra remained composed and won the game 11-9 on her second game point. In the fourth game, Batra jumped out to a 5-1 lead. Hursey, however, rallied and took a 6-5 lead. The lead changed hands several times before Hursey won the game 11-9, capping an impressive comeback.

Despite facing a setback, Batra restored her focus and drive in the fifth game. She dominated, winning 11-5 to secure her overall victory. This victory propels Batra into the round of 32, where she hopes to maintain her remarkable performance and advance farther in the competition.

After registering an important victory, Batra said, 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, and I will take it match by match and give my best as I always do.

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, I did not want her to think that I was playing only on her backhand, she added. 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 in the next round too, Batra concluded.