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Manika Batra Targets Tokyo Olympics After Breaking into Top 25 in Singles Rankings

Manika Batra’s journey to the top 25 in the singles rankings is a testament to her skill, perseverance, and passion for the sport

As she sets her sights on the Paris Olympics, all eyes will be on her as she looks to make history and inspire a new generation of table tennis players in India and around the world.

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has achieved a significant milestone in her career, breaking into the top 25 in the singles rankings.

This achievement comes as a result of her consistent performance and hard work on the international circuit. In a recent statement, Batra expressed her pride and joy at this accomplishment, stating, “It is indeed a very proud moment for me.”

Manika Batra’s rise in the singles rankings is a testament to her dedication and talent. The young athlete has been making waves in the world of table tennis, with her impressive performances on the global stage.

Her journey to the top 25 has been marked by numerous victories and strong showings in various tournaments.

Manika Batra
Manika Batra (Image: Source)

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Manika Batra Breaks into Top 25 Singles Rankings

Indian table tennis sensation Manika Batra is gearing up for the Paris Olympics 2024, following her remarkable achievement of breaking into the top 25 in the singles rankings.1

Batra, who recently secured her career-best 24th rank in the women’s singles rankings after an outstanding performance in the Saudi Smash 2024, has expressed her excitement and determination for the upcoming games.

Breaking New Grounds

Batra’s ascent to the top 25 marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting her hard work and dedication.

Her exceptional performance in the Saudi Smash 2024, which propelled her 15 places up in the rankings, has not only garnered attention but also highlighted her potential as a top contender in the world of table tennis.

A Proud Moment

In a statement to the media, Batra expressed her pride and gratitude for achieving this feat. She emphasized the importance of this achievement in boosting her confidence and preparations for the Paris Olympics later this year.

“It is indeed a very proud moment for me. To break into the top 25 and achieve my career-best ranking just months before the Olympic Games is a very potent boost to my preparations.

I am truly honoured to have achieved this feat and it is incredibly fulfilling to see all my hard work and efforts pay off,” said Batra.

Aiming for Tokyo Olympics

With her sights set on the Paris Olympics, Batra is determined to continue her upward trajectory and make a mark on the world stage.

Her recent success has not only solidified her position as one of India’s top table tennis players but has also set the stage for her to aim higher and target the pinnacle of success in the sport.

Manika Batra
Manika Batra (Image: Source)

Manika Batra: Who Is She?

Manika Batra, a rising star in Indian table tennis, has shown a remarkable dedication to improvement.

Recently, she surpassed Sreeja Akula to become India’s top-ranked paddler. Notably, she also matched Sathiyan Gnanasekaran’s achievement as the highest-ranked Indian singles player, reaching World No. 24 in the rankings, a position he attained in 2019.

With the Paris Olympics 2024 on the horizon, Manika is focused on enhancing her performance for the prestigious event. She approaches each day with a commitment to improving her skills, determined to achieve success on the global stage.

Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Manika expressed her motivation to continue her upward trajectory in the rankings, aiming to bring pride to her nation.

She credited her success to divine blessings, acknowledging that consistent improvement is key to her success.


A Rising Star in Indian Table Tennis

Manika’s recent performance at the Saudi Smash 2024 in Jeddah highlighted her talent. She secured victories over top players, including a notable win against World No. 2 Wang Manyu from China.

She followed this with another impressive win over World No. 14 Nina Mittelham from Germany, propelling her into the quarterfinals.

Despite her strong showing, Manika faced a setback in the quarterfinals, where she was defeated by World No. 5 Hina Hayata.

However, her performance throughout the tournament underscored her potential as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

Manika Batra’s journey in table tennis is a testament to her resilience and dedication. As she continues to strive for excellence, she remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes in India and around the world.

Manika Batra
Manika Batra (Image: Source)

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Manika Batra: Bio

India’s Leading Female Table Tennis Player

Manika Batra, born on June 15, 1995, is a prominent figure in the world of Indian table tennis.2

She has established herself as the leading female player in India and has made a name for herself on the international stage, currently holding the 24th position in the ITTF rankings as of May 2024.

One of the unique aspects of her playing style is her use of a long pimple rubber, setting her apart from many other players. In recognition of her achievements, she was honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award in 2020.

Early Life

Manika Batra’s journey in table tennis began at a young age, displaying an early talent for the sport.

She honed her skills through dedicated practice and soon began participating in local and national tournaments. Her passion and determination to succeed set her on a path towards excellence in the sport.

Manika Batra
Manika Batra

Rise to Prominence

Manika Batra’s breakthrough came when she started competing at the international level. Her impressive performances quickly garnered attention, and she soon became known for her skillful and strategic style of play.

As she continued to excel in various competitions, she earned a reputation as one of the rising stars in the world of table tennis.

Manika Batra’s list of achievements is impressive, reflecting her dedication and talent. Apart from her notable ITTF ranking, she has also secured numerous medals in prestigious tournaments, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level.

Her most notable achievement came in 2018, when she led the Indian women’s team to a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Playing Style and Techniques

  • What sets Manika Batra apart from her peers is her unique playing style, particularly her use of a long pimple rubber.
  • This unconventional choice of equipment allows her to execute a variety of spins and shots, often catching her opponents off guard.
  • Her strategic approach to the game, combined with her technical prowess, makes her a formidable competitor on the table.
  • As Manika Batra continues to make strides in her career, her future in table tennis looks promising. With her talent, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she is poised to achieve even greater success in the years to come.
  • Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring table tennis players in India and around the world.
  • Manika Batra’s impact on Indian table tennis cannot be understated.
  • Her rise to the top is a testament to her skill, hard work, and passion for the sport.
  • As she continues to make waves in the world of table tennis, she remains a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.
Manika Batra
Manika Batra

Manika Batra: Achievements

Manika Batra, the Indian table tennis sensation, has carved a remarkable niche for herself in the world of sports.3

Her journey to success is dotted with remarkable achievements and milestones that have made her a household name in India and beyond. Let’s delve into the highlights of her illustrious career.

2014 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games

Manika Batra made her mark on the international stage at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. She showcased her talent and determination by reaching the quarterfinals of the Women’s Singles event, displaying a glimpse of her potential.

Later in the same year, she continued her impressive form by finishing as a quarterfinalist in the Women’s Singles at the Asian Games in Incheon, Japan. Her performances garnered attention and laid the foundation for her future successes.

2015 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships

In 2015, Manika Batra showcased her prowess by clinching three medals at the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships held in Surat, Gujarat. She secured Silver in both the Women’s Team and Women’s Doubles events, highlighting her versatility and skill.

Additionally, she bagged a Bronze in the Women’s Singles category, further solidifying her status as a rising star in Indian table tennis. Her performance at the championships hinted at the great things to come in her career.


2016 Rio Olympics

Manika Batra’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. Despite her best efforts, she faced a setback at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

She crashed out of the tournament after losing to Poland’s Katarzyna Grzybowska in the 1st round of the Women’s Singles event.

Though the Olympics didn’t go as planned, Manika’s resilience and determination remained unshaken, setting the stage for her future triumphs.

2018 Commonwealth Games Glory

The year 2018 marked a historic moment in Manika Batra’s career as she clinched four medals at the Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. She displayed sheer dominance by winning Gold in both the Women’s Singles and Women’s Team events.

Additionally, she secured a Silver in Women’s Doubles and a Bronze in Mixed Doubles, showcasing her versatility and prowess across different categories.

Her Gold in Women’s Singles was a significant milestone as she became the first Indian woman paddler to achieve this feat at the Commonwealth Games.

2020 Tokyo Olympics and Beyond

  • In 2020, Manika Batra faced a setback as she lost her Olympics berth in the Women’s Team event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers.
  • However, she bounced back and qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in both the Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles events, marking her second appearance at the prestigious event.
  • Her qualification for the Olympics is a testament to her dedication and hard work, highlighting her status as one of India’s most promising table tennis players.
  • Manika Batra’s journey in table tennis is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and determination to succeed against all odds.
  • From her early successes to her historic achievements at the Commonwealth Games, she has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of table tennis.
  • As she gears up for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, all eyes will be on Manika Batra as she looks to add more accolades to her already impressive resume.
  • Her story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, showcasing the power of passion, hard work, and unwavering dedication to one’s craft.

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Qualifies for Paris Olympics 2024 in Wrestling, Bio, Career and More

  1. timesofindia.indiatimes
  2. wikipedia
  3. olympics
Kankana Biswas
Kankana Biswas

I'm a strategic journalism graduate with expertise on socio-political issues, business, and finance. I'm a self-made entrepreneur, and have contributed to various news/media outlets since 2015. I also received degree of journalism from the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

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