Manika Batra, affectionately known as Manik by her friends and family, is one of India’s most accomplished table tennis players. With Indian citizenship and rooted in Hinduism, she hails from Delhi, India.
At just 27 years old, she has significantly impacted the sport, demonstrating remarkable dedication and skill that have propelled Indian table tennis into the global spotlight.
Early Life and Beginnings
Born on June 15, 1995, in Delhi, Manika Batra is the youngest of three children. Her journey in table tennis began at the age of four, inspired by her older siblings, Anchal and Sahil. She quickly showcased her talent, winning a state-level tournament in the under-8 category. Recognizing her potential, she began training under Coach Sandeep Gupta, who played a pivotal role in her development.
Despite receiving numerous modeling offers, Manika remained steadfast in her focus on table tennis. She even declined a scholarship from the Peter Karlsson Academy in Sweden to pursue her passion. Her dedication led her to drop out of Jesus and Mary College to concentrate fully on the sport.
Rise to Prominence
Manika’s breakthrough year came in 2018, a landmark period for Indian table tennis. At the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, she won three historic medals, including a gold in the women’s team event, a silver in the women’s doubles, and another gold in the women’s singles, making her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.
Her success continued at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, where she, along with Sharath Kamal, secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles category. This achievement made her the first Indian woman to win an Asiad medal in table tennis.
Physical Attributes
Manika Batra stands tall at 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 65 kg (143 lbs). She has black hair and black eyes, with a figure measuring 34-28-34. Her striking presence on the court is matched by her formidable skills.
Achievements and Honors
Over the years, Manika has accumulated numerous accolades:
- 2011: Silver medal in the under-21 category at the Chile Open.
- 2015: Three medals at the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships – two silvers and one bronze.
- 2016: Gold medals in the women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s team events at the South Asian Games.
- 2018: Led the Indian women’s team to a historic win at the Commonwealth Games, and won individual gold in the women’s singles.
- 2018: Bronze in mixed doubles at the Asian Games.
- 2020: Qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Her contributions to Indian sports have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2020.
Personal Life and Interests
Manika Batra is deeply rooted in her family. Her father, Girish Batra, and mother, Sushma Batra, have been her pillars of support throughout her journey. She shares a close bond with her elder sister, Anchal, and brother, Sahil. Outside of table tennis, Manika enjoys doing nail art, dancing, and admires Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt. Her pre-game ritual involves listening to music to stay focused and calm.
| Manika Batra | Details |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Manik |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1995 |
| Age | 27 Years |
| Birth Location | Delhi, India |
| Home Town | Delhi, India |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | 183 cm (6′ 0″) |
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Education | College Dropout |
| School | Hans Raj Model School, New Delhi |
| College | Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship | Not Known |
| Interests | Doing nail art, Dancing |
| Favorite Person | Alia Bhatt |
| Father | Girish Batra |
| Mother | Sushma Batra |
| Sister | Anchal Batra |
| Brother | Sahil Batra |
| Net Worth (2014) | INR 30 lakh |
| Salary | 3-5 Million |
Notable Quotes
“Nobody can question my choices as long as I’m doing well. So I just keep performing and winning to keep all advice from well-wishers at bay.” – Manika Batra
Manika’s journey in table tennis is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. Her achievements have not only brought her personal glory but have also inspired a new generation of table tennis players in India.
