By Introduction
Manika Batra is no stranger to the athletes in India. She is a top table tennis player and has given many emergent Indian mates thoughts to chew. Moreover, her story is impressive and rather problematic. So let us take a look at her biography and success and what she has done for the sporting world.
Manika Batra – Biography
| Full Name | Manika Batra |
| Profession | Table Tennis Player |
| Date of Birth | 15 June 1995 (Thursday) |
| Age (as of 2024) | 29 Years |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Delhi, India |
Manika Batra – Physical Stats & More
| Height (approx.) | 6′ (183 cm) |
| Weight (approx.) | 65 Kg (143 lbs) |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 34-28-34 |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Coach/Mentor | Sandeep Gupta |
Manika Batra – Early life and Education
School – Hans Raj Model School, New Delhi
College – Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi
Educational Qualification – College dropout
Manika Batra was born on June 15 1995 in Delhi. Moreover, she had a normal and loving family background. Her parents supported her in this particular dream through endorsing her in sports activities. From early childhood, she had a preference for table tennis. She also started to play at the age of four years. Also her elder siblings practiced sports and this helped to inspire her a lot.
Manika had her education at Jesus and Mary College in Delhi. However, she left after a while to pursue a career. Moreover, by this time she had dropped out to pursue a career. However, this was a close call but the right one made for it. It is worth noticing that she wanted to become a professional tennis player since childhood.
Manika Batra – Starting the Journey
Manika trained at a local academy in Delhi. Sandeep Gupta was her coach and he had played an important part in developing her skills. According to him, she trained, taught new methods and did her best during the day. Little by little she became a better player. Moreover, she also joined national competitions.
Manika’s first achievement was winning the state championship at the age of 8. Through this victory her morale boosted. Later on, she joined the world championships. She got to prominence through her unwonted method of playing and talents.
Unique Playing Style
Again, Manika has got a great playing style which is professional and different at the same time. She hits the ball with an oversize rubber sunk in her racket. This assists her in a bid to change the direction and the manner that she plays a ball. Many players complained that she is almost always unpredictable to them. This style puts her in a vantage of advantage over her competitor.
She is fairly tall, stands at 5 feet 11 inches, and this also goes a long way in hammering down her opponents. It is easy for her to cover the table and to attack in general. Manika is also credited for being a very calm and patient focused player especially during her matches.
Breakthrough Moment
The 2018 Commonwealth Games can be considered the turning point in Manika’s professional career. She is a very intelligent person and managed to secure four medals. This involved the following; and Among them was a gold medal in the women’s singles category. She also was the first Indian woman to get this done as well. Also, she contributed to the team gold medal victory of India.
Through the winning of the Commonwealth Games meet, she became an overnight sensation. The talent that has been hidden for a few years started snapping the eyes of the people. She was an inspiration to most young talent in sports and other disciplines. This determination and skill encouraged her to take up table tennis.
Manika Batra – Achievements and Records
Records (main ones)
- In 2018, she became India’s top-ranked female table tennis player.
- On 19 November 2022, she became the first Indian female paddler to win a medal at ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup tournament . She clinched the bronze medal against World number six. Three-time Asian champion Hina Hayata by 4-2.
- First Indian table tennis player to reach Olympics pre-quarterfinals – achieved the feat at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
That is why she created history during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Despite failing to clinch a medal she proved an inspiration to Indians. However, her performance at the Olympics. Had given millions of Indians something to feel inspired about.
Challenges Faced
These have not been easy for Manika. She had to meet a lot of them and come across a number of difficult situations. Of course, managing school work and the games was one of the most difficult tasks among them. Education had to be put on the back burner so that career could be pursued.
Another buzz was financial challenges they faced during their lifetime. Training table tennis is costly. Purchases of equipment, tournaments, and a coach call for the use of cash. As it has been seen in the case of Manika, yes her family supported her but to do so was not a cup of tea for them.
Furthermore, there was censure and the heat she had to bear. They sometimes questioned her capabilities though. But she did not lose sight of what she was doing and toiled. More to her, she did not allow anything to come in between her and her goal.
Recognition and Awards
She is a very hard working lady who has been able to receive many awards. She has received the following honors:
Arjuna Award (2018): This is one of the most prestigious sports awards in India every year. This awards honor excellence in the field of sports.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2020): It is the biggest sporting accolade awarded in the country of India. And finally it also recognizes her input into table tennis.
Padma Shri (2021): It is one of the civilian awards of India which comes among the highest. It statutorily honors her accomplishments and contribution to the nation.
These awards pay testimony to her commitment and skill. They are also encouraging her to attain even better things in the future.
Role Model and Inspiration
Moreover, Manika is a good example for young athletes. However, she also proves that every right step one takes, means that success is not very far away. although, she as a role model encourages girl children to take up sports. She thinks that sports can turn lives and also builds confidence.
Many times, she likes to use her experiences to pass a word around. However, she discuses the aspects of the program focusing on discipline and consistency. Moreover, it is likely to inspire the audience to get to the root of living the dream.
Support for Women in Sports
Manika fights for women representation in sports. She wants more girls to join sports. Moreover, she also read that she states that society should support female athletes. This is a topic she frequently discusses with regards to gender issues in sports.
There is also proof that she supports the promotion of sports in schools as well. This is why she needs children to grow up having interest in sports as they grow up. All her actions are believed to provide enhanced conditions for future athletes.
Future Goals
Manika remains dedicated to achieving more goals on the table. Well, she wants to win more medals for India and she was looking forward to winning gold in badminton throughout the competition period. Her desire is to win an Olympic medal or to be an Olympic medalist at least. They are trying to make this dream a reality as hard as she is working.
However, she also plans to continue patronizing the sport of table tennis in India. She yields to train young players and concentrate on the development of the game too. Although, her vision is to see India as a superpower in table tennis international platform.
Balancing Life and Career
From the interviews with Manika we understand that she does not think that there is a need to compartmentalize life and work. She has interests in traveling, meeting with her family and friends. Volunteer creative works are dancing and cooking during her leisure time for her. This way those activities make her a happy woman and be filled with joy.
But even with her very tight schedule she is always associated with her roots. That is why she frequently goes to her hometown and takes her time with her friends and family. This keeps her grounded and motivated, which the consciousness enhances because it lets her manage her reaction to such comments.
Conclusion
Manika Batra is a golden hope of Indian sports. I must say her story is motivating and educational. He has demonstrated that when you are determined and have passion for something success is inevitable. Have worked hard and achieved what has been a pride of India and has inspired many.
Manika still goes higher and she keeps on dreaming. She is not only an athlete, but rather an icon. Her achievement in table tennis is outstanding. Subsequently, the nation validates and cherishes her progression.
Trivia
- Manika started playing table tennis when she was just 5 years old.
- At first, she learned table tennis from her siblings. Her sister and brother used to play table tennis, so they trained her.
- Later, she began professional training under Sandeep Gupta.
- Sandeep Gupta ran his academy at Hans Raj Model School in New Delhi.
- Meanwhile, her father supported her despite facing mental health issues. He always watches her matches on television, cheering her on.
- When she was 8 years old, she won her first Under-8 state-level tournament.