Asian Games 2018 | Manika Batra aims to reach the quarterfinal in Jakarta
The top ranked female table tennis player of India, Manika Batra has stated that she is aspiring to atleast reach the quarterfinal stage at the 2018 Asian Games. Batra also spoke about the ways in which she is preparing and coping up with all the pressure due to the upcoming Games.
Batra is known to have won three gold medals at the 2016 South Asian games winning women's doubles, mixed doubles, and women's team event. She also led the Indian women's team to a gold medal win in the final against four time gold medalists and defending champions Singapore at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold coast, Australia. Now, Batra is all set to participate at the Asian Games 2018 which begins on the 18th of August in Jakarta.
Batra stated that she is working hard to prepare herself for all the challenges that she might have to face ahead in the championship but at the same time she doesn't want to boost her expectations.
“Expectations add to pressure, so we don’t want to harp on that and mess it up at the Games. We are focussed and our only aim is to reach the quarterfinals,” Batra said to the Hindu.
“Frankly speaking, Indian women have not gone that far over the years but we would like to do that. If we play the way we did at Gold Coast then I think anything is possible,” adds India’s quadruple medallist at the Commonwealth Games, asking her about why does she limit her aspirations only till the quarterfinals.
Batra also mentioned the state of the Indian table tennis team this year. “There’s a lot of bonding and togetherness, which is quite important. We will be heading to China as well in a few days so we can come together once again and devise a plan to take on the best in Asia,” Batra said.
Batra, when asked about all the pressure that she has to handle due to the big championships replied that she has been getting tips about it from none other than the Indian cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar.
“Everybody goes through it, including the great Sharath Kamal. But, Sachin Tendulkar gave me a few tips on how to handle it. He asked me to stay as calm as possible, and it’s helping me,” Batra quoted.
Batra also mentioned that she is working on her new strategies for the upcoming Asian games.
“Quite a few have had a close look at my style of play. Now, they will come prepared for the Games. So, I need to work on something new.You can see the best of me in a few years from now,” Batra concluded.