Table tennis star Manika Batra to partner Manav Thakkar after split with Sathiyan in new Olympic cycle

India’s table tennis star Manika Batra is set to partner 24-year-old Manav Thakkar in mixed doubles after she and her partner of three years, G Sathiyan, decided to part ways after failing to qualify for the recently concluded Paris Olympics.

At World No. 57, Manav is the highest-ranked Indian among the men after Sharath Kamal (World No. 38) but the latter called time on his Olympic career after the Paris Games.

Manika and Sathiyan enjoyed a stellar run in the three years they’ve played together, even entering the top five in world rankings. They even reached the final of the WTT Feeder II event earlier this year apart from reaching the Round of 16 at the Hangzhou Asian Games. The goal, however, was to qualify for the Olympics and they came very close to that but a dip in form at the turn of the year saw their hopes shattered.

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The mixed doubles is a medal category at the Olympics and with just 16 teams qualifying, two victories assure a team of qualifying medal rounds. So, players are now giving a lot of importance to mixed doubles as there’s a better chance of medalling at big events.

“Manika and I couldn’t qualify for the Olympics, but I think we did a commendable job. I think Manika was one of the best partners to play with without any doubt, but we mutually decided it was time to try out other partners,” Sathiyan told The Indian Express.

Sathiyan will now partner India’s top-ranked player Sreeja Akula.

“She (Sreeja) has a style similar to Manika and we played a couple of tournaments and did well. She’s currently the country’s best player, so it was an obvious choice for me,” he said.

The M-team

Manav partnered with Archana Kamath in tournaments but after she quit the sport to pursue higher studies, he was left without a partner. So when the idea of partnering with Manika was floated, he didn’t hesitate.

They have the game to complement each other too.

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With a long-pimpled backhand, Manika can slow down the game, but often against top players – especially the men – it opens the door to a ferocious attack from the opponent. That means Manika has to play with someone who can not only attack well but can also defend against powerful shots. Manav can do both.

Manika’s coach Aman Balgu said Manav was the clear choice for Manika.

“He’s a very active player and his defence is amazing. Manav brings the speed and energy while Manika brings the experience. So this is something India should be looking forward to,” he said.

Speaking to The Indian Express after winning the men’s singles title in the season’s first national ranking tournament on Wednesday, Manav said it was an ‘honour’ to be partnering with Manika.

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“I got to know that I would be partnering with Manika when coach Massimo (Costantini) informed me during the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) tournament. I’m very grateful to be playing with her as she is the queen of Indian table tennis. It’s a great opportunity for me and I hope I can learn a lot from her.

“Our game should complement each other’s as she uses her rubber well and I’m a counter-attacking player. I’m confident that we should do well against the top Asian pairs as we have a unique combination,” he said.

The first major assignment for the new teams will be the Asian Championships early next month, which will kick off the new Olympic cycle.

Costantini said forming new pairs at the start of a new Olympic cycle with give the players time be prepare well for the LA Games and the major events leading up to it – the Asian Games in 2026 and the Commonwealth Games.

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“The good part is that nothing happens in the quiet. Everyone is aware of what is happening, and what conversations are taking place. Everyone wants the best so it’s good for everyone. It’s not like Manika has to stick with Manav for the entire cycle. The coach will also advise them on what’s best,” Balgu said.

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