Manika Batra Steers India to Table Tennis Quarterfinals at Paris Olympics

India's women's table tennis team, led by Manika Batra, clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Romania to advance to the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. Despite Romania's comeback to 2-2, Batra's stellar performance in the decider ensured India's win. The team now prepares for a showdown with either the USA or Germany.

Star player Manika Batra led from the front as India triumphed over higher-ranked Romania 3-2 in a nail-biting tie, thus securing a memorable spot in the women's table tennis team quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics on Monday.

India's initial 2-0 lead saw Romania staging a comeback to level at 2-2, but Batra delivered in the decider to seal the win for India. Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath had earlier set the stage with an 11-9 12-10 11-7 doubles win against Adina Diaconu and Elizabeta Samara.

Despite Sreeja's 2-3 loss to European champion Samara, and Archana's narrow defeat, Batra's clinical 3-0 victory over Adina ensured India's triumph. The team, encouraged by their bond and determination, now focuses on their upcoming quarterfinal match against either the USA or Germany.