PUNE: Star India desk tennis participant Manika Batra feels altering her method and chalking out complete methods for every match has helped in bettering her sport as she gears up for the upcoming Asian Games and subsequent yr’s Olympics.
Batra can be one in every of India’s greatest hopes in desk tennis when the Indian contingent flies out to Hangzhou for the Asian Games this September, and in accordance with her combined doubles associate Sathiyan G, a medal within the Olympics may be anticipated from the pair.
The 28-year-old Batra, who gained the bronze medal in Asian Cup final November, says that her sport has gone by way of adjustments whereas working alongside her coach Aman Balgu.
“The role of a coach is very important. Aman has been a great mentor and coach, he has been travelling with me and would do a lot of strategising.
“Earlier, I might not be a lot into strategising however these days we strategise earlier than each match and sport. I believe that’s actually serving to me,” Batra told PTI in an interview on the sidelines of the jersey launch for Ultimate Table Tennis team Bengaluru Smashers.
Batra had hired the services of Aman Balgu after a disappointing campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where he failed to win any medal.
“(On the court docket) if I see how he fights for me or how he cheers for me, that actually motivates me in each match and level,” said Batra, who had won four medals in 2018 Commonwealth Games including gold in women’s singles.
“The help of a coach is basically vital, which helps me and we’re engaged on a couple of issues on the desk: my backing, variation with the pimple (rubber) and naturally on assault … simply carry on working arduous.”
Batra, a recipient of Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, said she is working on both physical and mental aspect, but becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the Asian Cup also bolstered her confidence.
“We each are actually working arduous and naturally there are lots of issues on which we’re focussing proper now, on and off the desk. We are focussing on the bodily and psychological features and on-table (issues).
“Mentally, my confidence has got a boost after the Asian Cup and winning the bronze medal,” she said.
Batra, who is currently ranked world No 35, said her aim is to keep moving up in the rankings table for women’s singles players.
“I’m actually proud of my efficiency, however in fact, not happy as a result of I’ve to win extra medals, I’ve to enhance my rating, which is to get into the highest 20 after which into high 10.
“Until that does not happen, I will not be satisfied, but at the same time I am happy to win against some great, top-ranked players.”
Batra, who was retained by Benglauru Smashers, will play her first sport within the Ultimate Table Tennis on Friday when her facet takes on U Mumba.
Talking in regards to the Indian squad for the Asian Games, Batra stated: “We have a great team. We have Ayhika (Mukherjee), Sutirtha (Mukherjee), Diya (Chitale), me and Sreeja (Akula) … we have a great mix in the team,” she stated.
“There are young players in the squad, which will make it very exciting to play with them in the Asian Games. Like I always say in every tournament, I will give my best from my side and of course the full team’s support will be there for all players.”