Table tennis star Manika Batra’s childlike voice is laced with both humility and resolve. The ASICS brand athlete who is the first Indian woman to win a singles gold at the Commonwealth Games and also the first woman player from India to break into the top 50 (career-best of 47 and currently ranked 62), took some questions from The Telegraph on her road to Tokyo Olympics, her inspirations and her icons.

Congratulations for your Olympics qualification in mixed doubles. What are you expecting?

Thank you so much. I am expecting the best and will leave no stone unturned for my country. I have been working on my movements specific to mixed doubles here in Pune with my coach, Sanmay Paranjape. He especially keeps working on it with me.

The preparation must be an intense one and special. Can you take us through your current schedule?

Of course yes, it is very special to me and I am gearing up for the most exciting event with support from our nation. I feel I am much fitter than what I was. I have kept high-level practice on table and on multiburst too. My coach sets a very challenging schedule, which is a task in itself. At the end of it we analyse and decide the next plan of efforts. Overall, I am motivated to work even harder every day and I feel that is a good sign. I never think of results, which has helped me even before Tokyo. My job is to work on my weakness and sharpen my strength to not stagnate at a level. I am working hard and I will keep doing that.

Getting to participate in the Olympics is a dream come true for every athlete. Did you get goosebumps? How did you celebrate?

I am thrilled and excited, plus, nervous. But at the same time, I am keeping calm and working on my game and fitness. I will give my best for the country in Tokyo.

Do you get performance anxiety? Over the years, how have you dealt with your nerves under pressure?

Keeping the right balance during the games is very critical for any sportsperson. The overall mental aspect is important in sports. The whole situation we were in last year has tested our resolve and I prefer to remain calm and composed. That’s where I feel I am strong and competitive normally.

Table tennis is one of the fastest forms of games. Concentration is of utmost importance as a flick of a second decides you’re winning the point or not. Also, with the expectations of your fans and loved ones rising, it does get tougher. Of course I love their expectation but it does get tougher to balance it all. I like to engage myself in a variety of healthy activities like meditation and concentration exercises, especially while preparing for important tournaments.

You are a brand athlete with ASICS which believes in the motto of ‘A sound mind in a sound body’. What are your key mantras to achieve a ‘sound mind’ and a ‘sound body’?

I feel the key to success is your commitment, dedication and self-discipline. Therefore my association with ASICS has added more meaning to my career with the message of ‘A sound mind in a sound body’, especially during the unusual time of Covid-19. I never compromised on my workout and health even when I was indoors. It is important to keep both your body and mind in check by leading an active lifestyle.

How fulfilling has been your association with ASICS?

I joined the league in 2019 and since then it has been fulfilling. ASICS has a great track record of supporting athletes across sports and enabling them to reach their peak. I always encourage women around me to join sports. My thoughts truly resonates with the brand ethos and in supporting female strength, which is one of the reasons of my association.

Also, as a table tennis player, it is important to be comfortable on your feet and quick to respond to your opponent’s strike. I have tested ASICS footwear and found it to be the best match for my attacking game. Their shoes keep me light on my feet and the gel technology gives me an added advantage in terms of bounce and agility.

How much has life changed since the 2018 Commonwealth Games?

I personally believe my achievements will spark a revolution for table tennis in India, especially after my performance at Commonwealth Games. More people will sit up and take notice. The journey has taught me a lot since then. All that I learnt about the game, the many different things about work, people and life, will come good in future. Of course I would love the journey to be competitive and play harder and better and represent India at major tournaments and games. It’s my dream to take the sport of table tennis to the top in India.

Do you play any other sport?

I don’t get the time to play any other sport, but if I have time then I would like to play tennis.

Who are your all-time favourite athletes?

Of course Mary Kom, P.V, Sindhu, Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo…. I think there are many more because everyone is working hard for their country and giving their best.

Quick take...

Fave book: Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King

Fave film: Chak De! India, an all-time favourite

Fave shot: Forehand topspin

Fave fashion: My sporty look because I am comfortable in that

Fave holiday destination: London

Fave food item: Anything healthy

Fave sparring partner: My coach, Sanmay Paranjape

Fave actresses: Alia Bhatt and Jacqueline Fernandez

Fave actor: Ranbir Kapoor

You are now an icon for table tennis in India. Who were the icons for you?

I think Cristiano Ronaldo and of course, Mary Kom in India. Their work ethic, style, non-diplomatic uprightness and pure heart… overall they bring a youthful joy. I admire them a lot.