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Indian paddler Manika Batra opened up for the first time since her pre-quarterfinal elimination in the Paris Olympics 2024. Batra went down to Japan’s Hirano Miu in the R16 after becoming the first Indian to enter the pre-quarters of Olympics in the table-tennis event. The world number 13 took down Batra 1-4 to advance to the next stage of the competition. Following her elimination in the singles round, Batra penned down an emotional note and vowed to comeback stronger.
In her Instagram post, Batra shared a few pictures of herself from the tournament as well as her childhood days. She wrote, “Nothing compares to the thrill and atmosphere of competing in an Olympics. I’ll never settle for just coming to participate; I always want more. Very few people really know the level we are competing against and the road we have to travel to reach this stage, where around 70 of the best players from all over the world arrive.”
Batra added, “Competing and going head to head against the powers in this sport has been a privilege. I recognize there’s always room for growth, but I also know that I fulfilled the dream of that “ 4-year-old girl “ who trained in Naraina vihar , Delhi and who dreamed of going to the Olympics. Reaching the pre-quarterfinals of the Women’s Singles in Olympics has been a milestone, but I always want more. As long as I have a dream, an aim, I will keep doing my best. This is why I am proud to have been able to represent my beautiful country India once again.”
The 29-year-old thanked her fans, family and team for their support while urging to cheer for India in team event, starting on August 5. The Delhi-born paddler concluded, “Thank you so much everyone for your incredible love for table tennis and your constant support. I’m deeply grateful for the affection and encouragement you’ve shown me during the Olympics single event. Our team events are starting on August 5th. Please keep supporting us in the team events as well; it’s the first time Team India is representing as a team in the Olympics.”
