Introduction
Manika Batra’s inspiring journey at the Paris Olympic 2024 Match came to an end as she was defeated in the Round of 16 by Japan’s Miu Hirano. Despite the loss, Manika’s performance as the first Indian woman to reach this stage in Olympic table tennis was commendable. She shared her thoughts on the match and her plans moving forward.
The Match Against Miu Hirano
A Strong Start
Manika began the match with determination, taking an early lead. She displayed skill and confidence, but as the game progressed, she struggled to maintain her advantage. The first game saw her tied at 6-6 before conceding five consecutive points, resulting in an 11-6 loss.
Second Game Setback
In the second game, Manika took a promising 5-1 lead. However, Miu Hirano’s resilience and tactical play turned the game around, and Manika lost 9-11. The momentum shift was significant, impacting Manika’s confidence.
Third Game Victory
Manika found her rhythm in the third game, winning it 14-12. This victory showcased her ability to compete at the highest level, giving her and her coach hope for a comeback.
Final Two Games
Despite her efforts, Manika couldn’t sustain her performance in the last two games. Hirano’s aggressive style overwhelmed her, resulting in losses of 8-11 and 6-11. The match ended with a 4-1 scoreline in favor of the Japanese player.
Post-Match Reflections
Learning from the Experience
In her post-match interview, Manika expressed her disappointment but also viewed the match as a learning experience. She acknowledged her mistakes, particularly her inability to stay calm under pressure. “I was leading and that really hurts because I should have stayed calm in the moment and I was trying to win and I think I lost my calm so I will treat it as a learning lesson and will give it my all in the next Olympic 2024 Match,” she said.
Moving Forward
Manika emphasized her commitment to improving and preparing for future competitions. “I don’t think anything went wrong, but I could have put in more effort. I was there to give my best for my country and I did but internally I am not happy with myself how I started,” she added. Her focus now shifts to the Women’s Teams Competition, where she will compete alongside Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath.
Previous Success
Victory Over Prithika Pavade
Prior to her match against Hirano, Manika had an impressive victory against France’s Prithika Pavade in the Round of 32. Winning in straight sets, Manika displayed her top form and determination, setting the stage for her historic Round of 16 appearance.
Upcoming Team Events
Women’s Teams Competition
Manika, along with Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath, will represent India in the Women’s Teams Competition. Their first match will be against Romania. Manika remains optimistic about their chances, stating, “We have a good draw and we all are well prepared. Sreeja is playing good, Archana is playing good and I think we will give our best for our country.”
Sreeja Akula’s Performance
She will also compete in her Round of 16 matchup against China’s Sun Yingsha. Her performance will be crucial for the team’s overall success in the competition.
Conclusion
Manika Batra’s journey at the Paris Olympic 2024 Match, despite ending in the Round of 16, has been a milestone for Indian table tennis. Her reflections on the match highlight her determination to learn and improve. As she gears up for the team events, Manika remains committed to giving her best for India. The upcoming Women’s Teams Competition will be an opportunity for Manika, Sreeja, and Archana to showcase their skills and teamwork on the Olympic stage. Stay updated with the latest Olympic 2024 News from IPL365.
