Indian table tennis stars Manika Batra and Achanta Sharath Kamal are set to begin their campaigns at the Paris Olympics with promising match-ups. The draws for the table tennis events were announced on Wednesday, revealing their first-round opponents.

Manika Batra’s Opening Match

Manika Batra, who earned a Commonwealth Games gold medal and is seeded 18th in the women’s singles, will face Great Britain’s Anna Hursey in the opening round. Batra, known for her impressive performance in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics where she became the first Indian woman to reach the round of 32 in singles, will be looking to build on her past achievements and advance further in Paris.

Sharath Kamal’s First Opponent

Veteran player Achanta Sharath Kamal, a stalwart in Indian table tennis, will compete against Deni Kozul from Slovenia. The match on July 27 will be a crucial test for Sharath, who has represented India with distinction over the years and aims to make a significant impact at the Olympics.

Other Key Matches

In other opening round fixtures, Harmeet Desai will go head-to-head with Abo Yaman of Jordan in the men’s singles. Additionally, 25-year-old Sreeja Akula, seeded 16th, will begin her Olympic journey against Sweden’s Christina Kallberg.

Preparation and Expectations

The Indian paddlers have been preparing intensively for the Games, with high hopes of making a mark and potentially securing medals. The Paris Olympics represent a significant opportunity for these athletes to showcase their skills and achieve their goals on the global stage.

Conclusion

As the Paris Games approach, table tennis fans will be eagerly watching the performances of Manika Batra, Achanta Sharath Kamal, and their compatriots. With the opening round match-ups now set, all eyes will be on how these athletes fare and whether they can advance further in the competition.