Indian table tennis star, Manika Batra, etched her name in Olympic history with a stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Games. Under immense pressure, she led the Indian women’s team to a 3-2 victory over Romania, securing a spot in the quarter-finals.
Manika Batra’s ice-cool performance under pressure
In a high-stakes encounter, Manika Batra showcased nerves of steel. Her exceptional play was instrumental in overcoming a spirited Romanian side. India took an early lead as Sreeja Akula-Archana Kamath won the opening match against Romania’s Adina Diaconu and Elizabeta Samara in straight sets (11-9, 12-10, 11-7).
Manika Batra extended India’s advantage by dominating Romania’s Bernadette Szocs, winning convincingly (11-5, 11-7, 11-7). However, Romania fought back, winning the next two matches and forcing a decider.
With the tie level at 2-2, all eyes were on Manika Batra. She faced Adina Diaconu in the fifth match. Batra’s precision and determination shone through as she secured a 3-0 victory (11-5, 11-9, 11-9), sealing the tie for India. Her ability to thrive under pressure was the defining factor, propelling India into the quarter-finals.
A clutch game from Manika Batra 🔥
TeamIndia's ace wins the decider to seal a quarter final spot!💥🏓https://t.co/dyN6C3piEI #Cheer4Bharat #OlympicsonJioCinema #OlympicsonSports18 #JioCinemaSports #TableTennis #Olympics pic.twitter.com/fMcr9pxhpq
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 5, 2024
India’s women’s table tennis team will now face either the USA or Germany in the quarter-final clash. Despite the initial setback, India’s team remained focused and determined. Their resilience and skill were key to advancing to the quarter-finals, showcasing their potential for further success in the tournament.
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