THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 14: In the most recent International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings, which were released on Tuesday, Indian table tennis player Manika Batra reached a career-high of world number 24.
This marks the first instance where an Indian table tennis player has entered the top 25 in singles rankings.
After an incredible Saudi Smash tournament recently, where she became the first Indian singles player to reach the quarterfinals of a World Table Tennis Grand Smash event, Manika’s stature in the table tennis world skyrocketed.
During her run, she lost to world number five Hina Hayata of Japan in her quarterfinal match after defeating world number two Wang Manyu of China in the round of 32 and world number 14 Nina Mittelham of Germany in the pre-quarterfinals.
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Manika stated on Instagram the rise in rankings has arrived at a crucial juncture as she strives to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
“An extreme confidence boost on the road to Paris 2024. Breaking into the Top 25 and achieving the best rank ever achieved by an Indian in Women’s singles of the ITTF Ranking”, she wrote on Instagram.
Manika also expressed gratitude towards her coach Aman Balgu and sparring partner Kirill Barabanov from Belarus for their contributions to her success.
“Thank you, everyone, for your blessings and support. Especially my coach @amanbalgu, my sparring partner @kirill_barabanov and my family for the constant support. Onward and upward towards Paris 2024,” she added in her post.
