Indian table tennis star Manika Batra is set to face Japan’s world No. 5 Hina Hayata in the quarters on Thursday, a former Asian champion and multiple World Championships medallist. The two players have met three times before, with Hayata winning twice.
During the Saudi Smash 2024 tournament, Manika shocked everyone by defeating world No. 2 and former world champion Wang Manyu from China, advancing to the round of 16. This victory was considered the biggest achievement of her career. Prior to this, she defeated world No. 57 Andreea Dragoman of Romania in the opening round.
Manika’s recent performances are expected to not only raise her to her highest ranking but also reclaim her spot as India’s No. 1 table tennis player. After losing her position as the top-ranked women’s singles player in India to Sreeja Akula, Manika has been focused on making a comeback and regaining her position at the top of Indian table tennis. Her best singles ranking so far is 33, achieved in the early part of last year.
Manika is determined to make it all the way to the finals and take home a gold medal for India at this prestigious event. With just one Indian player remaining in the competition (her), she knows that it won’t be easy, but she is ready for whatever comes her way. The Saudi Smash event is set to conclude on Saturday and will determine who will come out on top as the champions of this year’s tournament.
