Big statement of Tennis player Manika Batra, said- Planning for every match is helping
Pune. Indian table tennis player Manika Batra, who is preparing for the Asian Games and next year’s Olympics, believes that changing her approach and planning a comprehensive strategy for each match has helped her improve her game. When the Indian contingent flies to Hangzhou for the Asian Games this September, Manika will be one of the country’s biggest hopes for a medal in table tennis. According to their mixed doubles partner G Sathiyan, the pair can expect a medal in the Olympics.
The 28-year-old Manika, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Cup last November, said her game has changed under coach Aman Balgu. In an interview given to ‘PTI-Bhasha’ on the sidelines of Manika Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) League, he said, “The role of the coach is very important. Aman is a wonderful mentor and coach. He travels with me and works on strategy.
The player, who represents Bengaluru Smashers in UTT, said, “Earlier I did not work much on planning but now we plan before every match. I think it is helping me a lot. Manika had roped in Aman Balgu after a disappointing campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She had failed to win a medal in these games. Manika, who won four medals including gold in women’s singles in 2018 Commonwealth Games, said, “He cheers me during the match, he motivates me after every point.” “It is really important to have the support of a coach who is helping me and we are working on a few things on the table,” the player said. We are working hard on diversifying the game and attacking. She said she is working on both physical and mental aspects, but becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the Asian Cup has also boosted her confidence.
“We’ve both been working really hard and there are definitely a lot of things we’re focusing on right now, both inside and outside the table. We are focusing on the physical and mental aspects and ‘on-table’ (matters). Manika, ranked 35 in the world, said she is focusing on improving her ranking in singles. “I am happy with my performance but not satisfied because I have to win more medals, I have to improve my ranking. I have to be in the top 20 in the rankings and then in the top 10. When asked about the Indian team for the Asian Games, he said, “We have a great team. We have Ayhika (Mukherjee), Sutirtha (Mukherjee), Diya (Chitale), me and Sreeja (Akula). We have a very good mix in the team. “He said,” There are young players in the team, it will be great to play with them in the Asian Games. I try to give my best in every tournament. Players will also get the support of the team.
