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Manika Batra, the Indian table tennis star, has etched her name in the annals of Olympic history by becoming the first Indian paddler to reach the last 16 stage at the Paris Games. This remarkable achievement came after a decisive victory over world No. 18 and French favourite Prithika Pavade, a player of Indian origin who was born in Paris. Batra's triumph signifies a landmark moment for Indian table tennis, showcasing the nation's growing prowess in the sport on the global stage.
The 29-year-old Batra displayed her exceptional skills and tactical acumen throughout the match, particularly her devastating backhand play. She dominated the encounter, handing Pavade a straight 4-0 defeat in the women's singles competition. This victory marked a historic milestone for India, as no Indian paddler had ever progressed beyond the round-of-32 in the Olympics since table tennis was introduced at the Seoul Games in 1988. Batra's victory in the round-of-32 clash against Pavade, which unfolded over 37 minutes, was a testament to her unwavering focus and dedication.
After initially adjusting to the intensity of the match, Batra took control, exhibiting her superior skills and strategic prowess. She outplayed the 19-year-old Pavade, winning the sets 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7 at the South Paris Arena 4. Batra's performance was a testament to her resilience and ability to perform under pressure, highlighting her remarkable journey in table tennis. Her achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, demonstrating the power of perseverance and hard work in pursuit of sporting excellence. Batra's victory has further fueled the hopes of India's table tennis contingent, raising expectations for future successes in the sport.
Source: Paris Olympics: Manika Batra breaks into last-16 to mark new high for table tennis