Manika Batra-Sathiyan Miss Out on Paris Olympics 2024 Quota
Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, the Indian table tennis duo, faced disappointment in their quest for a Paris Olympics 2024 quota at the World Mixed Doubles Table Tennis Olympic Qualification tournament in Havirov, Czechia. The tournament, held on Friday, saw the 18th-ranked Indian pair falter against Malaysia’s Javen Choong and Karen Lyne, ranked 153rd, in a hard-fought quarter-final match.
Quarter-Final Upset
Despite being the eighth-seeded team and receiving a bye in the round of 16, Batra and Sathiyan could not capitalize on their advantage. The Malaysian duo proved to be formidable opponents, clinching the match 4-1 (11-9, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8) and dashing the Indian pair’s hopes of securing an Olympic quota. This loss marked their second and final opportunity to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics through the World Mixed Doubles Table Tennis Olympic Qualifiers.
Previous Defeat and Missed Opportunity
Earlier in the tournament, Batra and Sathiyan suffered a setback in the first knockout round, losing to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea pair Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong. Despite their efforts, the Indian pair fell short, losing 4-1 (7-11, 10-12, 11-9, 6-11, 6-11) and missing out on a chance to advance. Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, however, went on to secure a quota for their country by winning their knockout bracket.
India’s Overall Performance
India had already secured quotas for the women’s and men’s teams at the Paris 2024 Olympics based on rankings. Additionally, Indian table tennis players had secured two quotas each in the men’s and women’s singles events. The mixed doubles event at the Czechia meet was the final opportunity for Indian players to secure a quota in that category for the Paris Olympics.
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Future Qualification Possibilities
Quotas in mixed doubles events for the Paris Olympics can also be obtained through rankings. The five highest-ranked eligible pairs (not already qualified and from a country different from those already qualified) in the mixed doubles world ranking, as of May 7, will obtain one mixed doubles quota place. Currently, Manika Batra and G Sathiyan are ranked 18th in the world, keeping their hopes alive for a potential Olympic berth based on rankings.
Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran’s valiant effort in the World Mixed Doubles Table Tennis Olympic Qualification tournament fell short as they were unable to secure a Paris Olympics 2024 quota. Despite this setback, they remain optimistic about their chances through the world rankings as they aim to represent India at the prestigious event.
