Manika Batra Makes History, Climbs To 24th In World Table Tennis Rankings

Manika Batra, a celebrated name in Indian table tennis, has achieved a new milestone by securing the 24th spot in the world singles rankings, making her the first Indian woman paddler to enter the top 25.

This achievement comes after her commendable performance at the Saudi Smash, where she reached the quarterfinals. Previously ranked 39th, Batra's success in Jeddah helped her leap 15 places up the rankings.

The 28-year-old, who has been honoured with the Khel Ratna award, showcased her skills brilliantly during the tournament. Notably, she triumphed over China’s Wang Manyu, a world champion and Olympic gold medallist, which was a significant highlight of her journey in the Saudi Smash.

This victory was instrumental in her progression to the quarterfinals, a feat that no other Indian women's player had achieved in this tournament before.

Manika Batra's journey in table tennis has been filled with notable achievements, including her gold medal victories in both the individual and team categories at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Her performance in Jeddah added 350 points to her ranking, propelling her to this career-best position.

In her pursuit of excellence, Batra has expressed her gratitude towards those who have supported her journey. Through an Instagram post, she thanked her coach, Aman Balgu, and her sparring partner, Kirill Barabanov from Belarus, acknowledging their significant roles in her success.

She also shared her excitement and motivation as she aims to secure a spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. "An extreme confidence boost on the road to Paris 2024. Breaking into the Top 25 and achieving the best rank ever achieved by an Indian in women's singles of the ITTF Ranking," Manika wrote, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

Manika’s recent accomplishments not only mark a personal best but also set a new benchmark for Indian women in table tennis.

Manika also thanked her coach Aman Balgu and sparring partner Kirill Barabanov of Belarus for her success. "Thank you, everyone, for your blessings and support. Especially my coach @amanbalgu, my sparring partner @kirill_barabanov and my family for the constant support. Onward and upward towards Paris 2024," she added further.