Ace table tennis player of India Manika Batra is the top-ranked female player in the country. With her stellar performances in 2018 she has taken the game to a new height. Currently Manika is taking part in the ongoing National Table Tennis Championship in Cuttack. On the sidelines of the tournament she interacted with Orissa Post about the prospect of the game in the country. Excerpts…
Q) How do you see the future of table tennis in India?
A) Many young and exciting talents are coming to the game. They are really playing well and have a strong impact on the game. Now number of tournaments has also increased. So the game is in an upward surge in the country.
Q) You started playing table tennis form the age of four. How could you develop interest in the game from such a tender age?
A) My elder sister Anchal Batra is also a table tennis player. Her coach Sandip Gupta suggested my mother to teach me the game too. I started playing the game with curiosity and gradually developed affinity. Then I dreamt to be a professional player and what they call the rest is history.
Q) What is the best moment in your life?
A) The year 2018 was the best year for me. I have reached the pinnacle of my career this year. I bagged two gold, one silver and one bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games. I also clinched a bronze in the Asian Games. I was also conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2018. It’s really a landmark year for me.
Q) Who is your main rival player in India?
A) I never consider anybody as my rival player in the country. There are many talented players in all the states. Even some junior players have also impressed with their performances. The game has a bright future in the country.
Q) What is your key to success?
A) One has to be dedicated and passionate about the game he/she pursues. Then one will definitely get success.