Making her presence felt

Manika Batra is consistently making her presence felt on the table tennis circuit. The 22-year-old represented the country in the Rio Olympics and even ranked briefly under top 100 in women's singles at the start of the year. Currently enjoying the camaraderie of teammates in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), the young paddler hoped the experience would help in taking her game to the next level.

Batra, who is part of Oilmax Stag Yoddhas, was excited at the prospect of playing higher ranked player in the first ever professional table tennis league in India. “It is very challenging but at the same time quite exciting. It has helped me gain more confidence. The UTT is a wonderful initiative and all the Indian players are learning a lot from it. Even the foreign players have a positive feedback to give about the league,” Batra told DH.

“Normally, table tennis is an individual game. So to have a team supporting you all the way is a good feeling. We have got a nice team together and we all cheer for each other.”

With Yoddhas having a foreign player in World No 28 Doo Hoi Kem and foreign coach Vesna Ojstersek, who has coached the Slovenian women national team, Batra was more than happy to pick their brains. “I have realised things that I can work on. For example my feet movement need to be better. Basically the overall fitness, and mental strength. It ultimately comes down to that. Top players stick it out through close matches,” said Batra, who is currently ranked 104. The Delhi girl is currently the highest ranked Indian women’s paddler. Since her transition to the senior circuit, she has finished quarterfinalist in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and won three medals at the 2015 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. She also won three gold medals at the 2016 South Asian Games.

With the Commonwealth and Asian Games scheduled next year, Batra is eager to make the opportunity count. Currently training under national coach Massimo Costantini, she is looking to balance her tournament and training programme.

“The ranking system is going to change next year, it will require us to play more matches. So we have been working on our games, with focus on our fitness and stamina. Playing big tournaments like Commonwealth Games and Asian Games is a great exposure for a player. It gives you the belief to play against the top ranked players.”