Indian athletes are giving their best at the ongoing Paris Olympics, and we have some good news to celebrate. Manika Batra has created history after defeating France’s Prithika Pravade and securing a place for herself in the pre-quarterfinals. This victory has made Manika Batra the first Indian table tennis player to enter the pre-quarterfinals at the Olympics. Read on to know more about it.
Manika Batra Adds Another Feather To Her Cap
On Monday, July 29, Manika Batra beat France player Prithika Pravade in the games with scores of 11-9 11-6 11-9 11-7. This win proved to be more than just a normal victory for Manika Batra. After winning the match, Manika Batra was announced as the first Indian tennis player to enter the pre-quarterfinals of the Summer Olympics.
The match between the two players was neck and neck, and the victory did not come easy. The crowd was divided because Prithika as the name suggests also has Indian roots. The player who is currently ranked in the 18th position comes from Puducherry. While Manika Batra’s ranking is 28 she secured a great win. The player also expressed her happiness about defeating the France player and stated that she was not thinking about making history. As per news reports, Manika also acknowledged that the match was quite tough but some breathing exercises got her through.
We also have a bronze medal already at the Paris Olympics. This was won by Manu Bhaker in Air Pistol. Many Indian celebrities extended their congratulations to the athlete and the Indians were all feeling proud!
We await more medals and are hoping that Manika Batra also adds one to the list. There is hope!