A Tale of Dedication and Resilience
India’s most celebrated table tennis star, Manika Batra, has an interesting arsenal of secrets fueling her potential Olympic success: a hefty motivational book, a strategic racquet switch, and unwavering emotional support from her mother.
Over the past decade, Manika has developed a deep admiration for cricket superstar Virat Kohli, drawn to his passionate and relentless approach to the game. “It’s because of how he handles everything that happens to him, and how passionate he’s about winning through all that. And how he enjoys playing cricket,” she shares.
The Power of a Motivational Tome
Before every match, Manika delves into a motivational book that she describes as “Ek moti-si kitaab hai” — a thick book of 280 pages that works like magic for her. The title escapes her, but the essence of its wisdom remains embedded in her approach to table tennis.
Manika’s Practical Mantra
Known for her effortless glamour and guarded persona, Manika doesn’t seek to sound overly profound as she gears up for the Paris Olympics. Her guiding principle remains straightforward: “I know my dreams. So I wake up every day and work hard for them.” This practical mantra has sustained her through 15 years of a career peppered with controversies and challenges.
Battling Adversity with Grace
Manika’s journey hasn’t been without its share of hurdles. From selection controversies to being denied personal coaching at the last Olympics, she has faced her fair share of nastiness and misunderstanding. Yet, the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion remains unfazed, refusing to dwell on negativity.
She once faced criticism for refusing to tank a match that could have helped another Indian qualify, earning her the label of being selfish. However, heading into Paris at 29, she has finally found a supportive team and coaching arrangement that suits her. “I don’t focus on criticism. I’m not active on social media. I don’t scroll (timelines),” she asserts, choosing to remain insular and wary of opening up.
Rising to the Challenge
Manika’s recent victory over Chinese player Wang Manyu marks a significant milestone, reflecting the growing confidence among Indian players in facing formidable opponents. “There’s no specific reason why India is doing well. We are all working very hard, and the fear of facing Chinese players has gone down a little. There’s belief we can beat any opponent,” she explains.
Roots in Delhi and Family Support
Manika’s journey in table tennis began by following her older siblings into the sport. With a tall frame inherited from her parents, her mother Sushma, a former housewife who later ran a fashion boutique, always believed in her potential. Sushma recalls the societal pressure of pushing children into conventional careers but always saw promise in Manika’s sporting ambitions.
Overcoming Financial Strains
Despite financial challenges and a burgeoning sporting career, the Batra family, supported by Sushma’s in-laws, remained steadfast. Sushma’s encouragement and belief in her daughter’s abilities kept the family going through tough times. “There were hurdles, and I was often confused about whether to continue her TT or not. But she was stubborn. Now that things are going well, I actively want to forget about the bad times,” Sushma says.
Discipline and Positivity
Growing up as the pampered youngest child, Manika’s turning point came when she embraced discipline in her sport. Sushma instilled in her the importance of respecting her profession and maintaining a positive attitude. “We are Punjabis, we don’t get daunted by life’s ups and downs. She learnt to let go of the negative and have a 100 percent nature, no half-hearted things,” Sushma insists.
Handling Defeats and Celebrating Wins
Early in her career, Manika struggled with handling losses. Sushma played a crucial role in softening the blow of defeats, teaching her daughter to accept that opponents also deserve to experience the joy of winning. This perspective helped Manika navigate the emotional roller-coaster of professional sports.
Refining Skills and Embracing Fitness
A self-proclaimed foodie, Manika made significant lifestyle changes to prioritize her sport, cutting back on indulgent Punjabi delicacies in favor of a diet rich in protein and fiber. This dedication extends to her training, where she has worked diligently to improve her weaknesses, particularly her forehand.
Emotional and Strategic Triumphs
Manika’s recent win against Wang Manyu at the Saudi SMAASH tournament was a moment of emotional and strategic triumph. Her surprise twiddle switch, perfected through endless practice, caught her opponent off guard, showcasing her tactical prowess. “I knew the Chinese was going to turn, and just didn’t expect me to twiddle. Honestly, it was very impressive to watch, and I was really, really good,” she recalls, relishing the moment.
Personal Joys and Simple Pleasures
Away from the table, Manika finds joy in music, shopping, and sports movies. Her love for Diljit Dosanjh’s music and the thrill of shopping for clothes provide a welcome respite from her rigorous training schedule. Despite her busy life, she enjoys simple pleasures, often indulging in her favorite pastimes with the same passion she brings to her sport.
As she heads towards the Paris Olympics, Manika Batra’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, family support, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams. With her unique blend of strategic brilliance and emotional resilience, she stands poised to make her mark on the world stage.
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