Derailed Olympic preparation back on track after Manika agrees to attend national camp | Olympics - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Derailed Olympic preparation back on track after Manika agrees to attend national camp

PTI |
Jun 11, 2021 02:12 PM IST

Earlier, both Manika and G Sathiyan had expressed their unavailability to attend the camp, preferring to continue training in Pune and Chennai respectively with their coaches.

Indian table tennis contingent's Olympic preparations got a much needed boost on Friday when star paddler Manika Batra agreed to join the national camp in Sonepat to train with mixed doubles partner and veteran Sharath Kamal.

Manika Batra of India(Getty Images)
Manika Batra of India(Getty Images)

Earlier, both Manika and G Sathiyan had expressed their unavailability to attend the camp, preferring to continue training in Pune and Chennai respectively with their coaches.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

That was a big setback to India's build up for the July-August Olympic Games where India have a medal chance, albeit a slight one, for the first time ever after winning the mixed doubles qualifying event.

The preparation anyway has been far from ideal due to the COVID-19 related restrictions. The team also doesn't have a head coach since the 2018 Asian Games.

While Sathiyan's availability for the camp, beginning June 20, remains uncertain, Manika has informed TTFI that she would be travelling to Sonepat with her personal coach Sanmay Paranjpe.

"She has said yes to attending the camp, putting the country first. We appreciate that. We have also got SAI's approval for the camp.

"Our best chance is in mixed doubles so Manika and Sharath's preparation becomes very important. I hope they get a lot out of the camp," TTFI advisor MP Singh told PTI.

Besides Manika, Sharath and Sathiyan, Sutirtha Mukherjee has also qualified for the Olympics, making it India's biggest representation in the sport at the Summer Games.

Around 16 people will be part of the camp from June 20 to July 5, including 12 players and four support staff.

They all will undergo a RT-PCR test upon arrival on June 17 and will undergo rapid antigen test daily from day one of the camp.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On