Manika Batra, India’s renowned table tennis player, has unveiled the key to defeating Chinese competitors while stressing the importance of enhancing fitness and strategy among Indian players.
Following her impressive performance at the recent World Table Tennis Championships, where she advanced to the quarter-finals, Manika shared insights into consistently outplaying Chinese players. Notably, she secured victory over world number two Wang Manyu, the reigning women’s singles world champion and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, during the Grand Smash tournament in Saudi Arabia. Despite her journey ending in the quarter-finals against Japan’s Hina Hayat, Manika’s strategic approach against top-ranked opponents illuminated areas for improvement.
As the first Indian woman table tennis player to reach the World Table Tennis Championships quarter-finals, Manika emphasized the necessity of refining strategy and fitness to challenge world-ranked competitors consistently. Reflecting on her recent matches, she highlighted the invaluable lessons gained from facing elite players, providing clarity on areas requiring enhancement ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Acknowledging the significance of rigorous training and meticulous planning, Manika underscored the emotional intensity accompanying her determination to address shortcomings and elevate her performance. Intensive practice sessions facilitated significant improvements, evident not only in her victory over Wang but also in subsequent matches against formidable opponents.
Ranked 39th globally, Manika’s recent achievements are poised to propel her into the top 25. Recognizing the need to enhance game speed and assertiveness, particularly with her forehand strokes, she emphasized the imperative of peak fitness levels to contend with the formidable Chinese and Japanese players. Drawing inspiration from her tournament experience, Manika emphasized the critical role of fitness in sustaining stamina and performance throughout competitive matches, outlining a roadmap for continued growth and success on the international stage, particularly in the lead-up to the Olympics.
