File photo of Manika Batra.© AFP
Manika Batra's dream run in the Paris Olympics has reached its end as India's first-ever woman to reach the Round of 16 was defeated in the pre-quarterfinal in five games (4-1) by Japan's Miu Hirano. Despite losing four games, Manika did not seem to be struggling in the game and started in a solid fashion, taking the lead but going on to falter toward the business end of the game. She addressed the leads that were negated by the Japanese and said 'that really hurt.'
"I was leading and that really hurts because I should have stayed calm in the moment and I was trying to win and I think I lost my calm so I will treat it as a learning lesson and will give it my all in the next Olympics. Now, I will give my all for the team," Manika told reporters in the post-match interview.
Manika fought well in the first game and was tied at 6-6 before conceding five straight points to lose 11-6. She followed it by taking a 5-1 lead in the second game but again lost the game 9-11. Although the third set was highly promising for Manika which she won 14-12, the Japanese paddler's aggression proved to be too much for the Indian star as she lost the next two games 11-8 and 11-6.
"I don't think anything went wrong, but I could have put in more effort. I was there to give my best for my country and I did but internally I am not happy with myself how I started. But I came back in the third game, I got the confidence and even the coach said 'we can do it from here' but she played really well and it happens," she added.
Manika had previously defeated home favourite and higher-ranked Prithika Pavade in straight sets on Saturday in the Round of 32. Alongside Manika, Sreeja Akula will also take part in her Round of 16 matchup against China's Sun Yingsha.
Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath will be taking part in the Women's Teams Competition that will begin when the singles round concludes. India will meet Romania in their first match.
"I can take the day to be sad but from tomorrow I have to prepare for the doubles, and for my team, for my country. We have a good draw and we all are well prepared. Sreeja is playing good, Archana is playing good and I think we will give our best for our country," concluded the 29-year-old.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)