If we play our best and are lucky, we will win medal in Tokyo, says Manika Batra

Manika has had a tremendous last 18 months. The 24-year-old made history at the Commonwealth Games last year by winning four medals, including a singles gold. She then turned up at the Asian Games, and alongside veteran Sharath Kamal, ended India’s 60-year-long wait for a medal in the event by clinching bronze. Now, she looks forward to next year’s mega event in Tokyo.

“All the paddlers are working hard for the Olympics and if we play our best and are lucky, we will win a medal. But I don’t want to put pressure on myself for 2020, I am aiming for a singles medal in 2024 Games,” Manika told PTI.

With less than a year to go for the Olympics, the nation will once again to the mixed doubles combo to win a medal in table tennis. Batra said that the duo is keen to deliver, and have a plan in place to train together.

“We are keen to get an Olympic medal in this event and we have also got a bronze in Asian Games. So I think if we practice more we will be in contention for a medal. Sharath and I have a good understanding which is very important in mixed doubles. Practice is important, so we have decided we will train for mixed doubles before the Asian Championship and also before Grand Finals. We may go to Europe and train together,” she said.

The world no.56, Manika, admitted that having a national coach is vital if the team are to do well in doubles events. On Tuesday, new national coach Dejan Papic accepted the one-year contract offered by the Sports Authority of India to coach the Indian table tennis team.

“Individually it’s easy like Sharath, Sathiyan, everyone goes outside to train. But for mixed doubles we need the coach and are already scheduled to have a camp. Massimo (Constantini) knew the game of all the Indian players. Now when the new coach comes, it will be very difficult for him and for us. It will take time for him to settle down,” Manika said.

“I changed the coach because I needed something new in my game. I have improved a lot. My forehand has improved. I have beaten Chinese and Korean players, so I am quite happy with my training in Pune. I turn and switch and finish from the forehand. I have also been working on my rallies,” she explained.