Manika Batra targets ranking improvement and regained confidence ahead of Olympic qualification

With her sights set on Olympic qualification, India's top-ranked women's singles paddler Manika Batra is working to improve her world ranking and rebuild confidence after a challenging period. The 31-year-old, currently ranked 51st in the world, spoke to The Indian Express about her goals and mindset.

“Of course, I have to improve my ranking. And I am working towards that thing every day in my training, in my tournaments,” Batra said. “Till next year I have this goal. And I will give my best to improve my ranking till the end of this year, so that I can have that confidence back.”

Batra's recent form has been inconsistent, with defeats to younger players such as Syndrela Das and Sayali Wani in domestic and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) matches. However, she views these results positively, seeing them as a sign of growth in Indian table tennis. “Syndrela beat me 3-0, and I was really happy. Not happy that I lost, but happy to see so many youngsters coming up and doing so well,” she said.

The three-time Olympian acknowledged that managing expectations has become easier over time. “Earlier I was not good at this, but now I handle it really well because when I think I am at that level where people will expect a lot from me, I feel proud of myself.” She added that pressure is a privilege: “If there is no pressure, I should sit at home and do nothing.”

Batra’s comments come after she helped her UTT team Ahmedabad APL Pipers, but the side failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Dabang Delhi TTC’s 10-5 victory over PBG Pune Jaguars on Thursday sealed the semi-final line-up: Dempo Goa Challengers face Dabang Delhi TTC on Friday, while HVR Kolkata Thunder Blades meet U Mumba TT on Saturday.