Manika Batra becomes first Indian table tennis player to reach last 16 in Olympics | Paris Olympics 2024 News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Manika Batra achieved a historic feat on Monday by advancing to the round of 16 in the Olympic Games singles competition, a first for an Indian table tennis player.
The 29-year-old, who clinched gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, secured a commanding 4-0 victory against the higher-ranked French player Prithika Pavade in Paris.

Manika recorded 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 victory against her 19-year-opponent Pavade whose parents were originally from Puducherry before shifting to France in 2003.
Manika surpassed her previous best performance from the Tokyo Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman to reach the round of 32 in singles competition.

By advancing further than the round of 32, Manika has set a new benchmark for Indian women’s table tennis at the Olympic level.
Her accomplishment comes after Achanta Sharath Kamal, who had also reached the round of 32 in men’s singles during the Tokyo Olympics.
Despite being ranked 28th in the world, 10 positions below her opponent Pavade, Manika showcased her skills and determination to secure a spot in the next round.