 "Decoding Indian women’s table tennis team’s historic victory to reach Paris Olympics quarterfinals")
India’s women’s table tennis team made a spectacular Olympic debut, defeating fourth seeded Romania in the Round of 16. In a thrilling match, Manika Batra led the charge, winning both her singles ties, while Archana Kamath and Sreeja Akula secured the victory in doubles to secure a 3-2 win.
In the Team event, each player is limited to two matches per fixture. Under the guidance of national coach Massimo Costantini, the Indian team strategically positioned Akula and Kamath as the doubles pair, while Batra was tasked with playing two singles matches.
Paris Olympics: News, schedule, medals tally and more
In contrast to tennis and badminton, table tennis does not really have specialist doubles players. A unique aspect of table tennis doubles is the requirement for players to alternate shots, rather than hitting the ball based on proximity. This demands highly coordinated footwork, and usage of movements uncommon to the singles game. Players must work in harmony, leveraging each other’s strengths and compensating for weaknesses to maintain long rallies and effectively alternate strokes.
Akula and Kamath displayed perfect synergy from the outset, reflecting countless hours of dedicated doubles practice. The mandate was clear, with Kamath providing the attacking impetus and Akula disrupting the flow with clever speed variations using her ‘long pimple’ backhand rubber.
In a bold departure from standard doubles tactics — where one player stays close to the table and the other hangs back — the Indian pair remained close to the table, applying relentless pressure. It was refreshing to see an Indian pair move around with lightning speed, and this unexpected strategy left their Romanian opponents reeling, allowing Sreeja and Archana to romp home to a 3-0 win.
The second fixture brought the much-anticipated clash between India’s star, Manika Batra, and World No. 10 Bernadette Szocs. Despite a recent loss for Batra against Bernadette, a fierce battle was expected. But Manika exceeded all expectations, securing a decisive straight-sets victory and giving India a commanding 2-0 lead.
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View AllManika’s win was a masterclass in adaptation. Having struggled against a down-the-line backhand topspin in her earlier singles loss, she anticipated that Bernadette would target this weakness. But Manika was prepared.
Each time Bernadette hit a backhand topspin down the line, Manika unleashed a blistering forehand topspin, leaving her opponent visibly frustrated. This pressured Bernadette to play to Manika’s backhand, where Batra skilfully utilised her ‘long pimple’ rubber. Offering no speed to work with, Manika forced Bernadette into a game of power and spin—areas outside her comfort zone - effectively neutralising her opponent’s strengths.
Akula then faced World No. 43 Elizabeta Samara, a seasoned 35-year-old and former European champion. Despite leading 1-0 and 2-1, Sreeja was edged out 2-3, missing a crucial opportunity to secure the win for India. Sreeja’s struggles were most evident in her service returns, as the left-handed Samara expertly varied the length of her serves to Sreeja’s forehand.
Sreeja, who prefers to receive from her backhand side, was in discomfort throughout the match. As the match wore on, Samara became much more adept at handling Sreeja’s ‘long pimple backhand rubber. Sreeja also struggled with the sharp angles created by the left-handed Samara and, despite her speed, found it difficult to move laterally, especially when stretched wide to her forehand.
INDIAN WOMEN’S #TableTennis TEAM has reached the QUARTER FINALS of the #OlympicGames #Paris2024
— Neha Aggarwal Sharma OLY (@nehaaggarwal) August 5, 2024
This is HISTORIC!
Last year, not many expected the women’s team to qualify, and here we are, into the last 8 👏🏾
Salute @manikabatra_TT @SreejaAkula31 #ArchanaKamath 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Ur4QN4lEVo
Samara effectively neutralised Sreeja’s pivot forehand topspin, consistently launching strong topspin shots from both flanks that kept Sreeja on the defensive. This match leaves Sreeja with much to reflect on, and like her compatriot Manika, she will need to learn from her mistakes to improve going forward.
With the match delicately poised at 2-1, World No. 121 Archana Kamath delivered a valiant performance against Bernadette Szocs, ultimately falling short in a 1-3 defeat.
Despite the loss, Archana can hold her head high, as she posed significant challenges to an opponent ranked 111 places above her. While Archana’s forehand has always been her strong suit, a key takeaway from this match is the noticeable improvement in her backhand. Typically, a counter-puncher from that side, Archana showcased the ability to also hit a powerful backhand topspin that allowed her to keep pace with Bernadette in most rallies. Her loss, more than anything, can be attributed to a lack of experience at this level.
With the scores tied at 2-2, Manika Batra delivered when it mattered most, defeating World No. 61 Adina Diaconu in straight games. In a masterful display of counter-attacking table tennis, Manika never allowed Adina to find her rhythm.
It was clear that Manika wanted Adina to attack first, and then use her speed against her. A crucial tactic in Manika’s victory was her use of long sidespin serves from her backhand, which forced Adina to play an attacking shot despite her reluctance to do so. It also neutralised Adina’s touch play close to the net.
A clutch game from Manika Batra 🔥 #TeamIndia's ace wins the decider to seal a quarter final spot!💥🏓https://t.co/dyN6C3pQug #Cheer4Bharat #OlympicsonJioCinema #OlympicsonSports18 #JioCinemaSports #TableTennis #Olympics pic.twitter.com/u4kfGbzWic
— JioHotstar Reality (@HotstarReality) August 5, 2024
Manika’s skilful use of her ‘long pimple’ backhand rubber further unsettled Adina, keeping the ball low and slow and forcing awkward returns that set up Manika’s dominant forehand topspin, which she relentlessly drove past her opponent.
As Manika triumphed, her jubilant arm raised in victory, the crowd’s roar became a thunderous chorus, celebrating a landmark achievement. In that moment, the Indian women’s table tennis team made history, becoming the first from their nation to reach the Olympic quarterfinals. With their remarkable journey surpassing every expectation, they now brace for their next epic challenge: a fateful encounter with the winners of the USA versus Germany match.
(The author, a National Level table tennis player, has represented the state of Maharashtra across all age groups and at the senior level. He was the Under 12 Indian national champion and participated in international tournaments at the age-group level. Additionally, he is a silver medallist at the All-India University championships, representing the University of Mumbai.
He has completed a Masters in Sport Management from Loughborough University, and is currently working with the coach education team for British Rowing, the National Governing Body for rowing in England).
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