Paris Olympics 2024 Highlights, 29th July - Manika scripts history, advances to Ro16; India tie Argentina 1-1 in hockey in nail-biter, Manu/Sarabjot qualify for bronze medal match

While action on Day 3 has ended, you can follow the live coverage of all the Indian players on Day 4 (30th July) by clicking right here!

Right then, that wraps up another enthralling day for the Indian contingent. Plenty of heartbreaks in it, but on the brighter side, plenty of experience to gain for our young contingent.

It all started with Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto losing their second consecutive match, this time to the seeded Japanese pair of Matsuyama/Shida in straight games. With one foot out of the Olympics, their last match might just be a mere formality.

Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh qualified for the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team final after a stellar performance earlier in the day. The Rhythm Sangwan and Arjun Cheema pair, on the other hand, failed to get over the finish line.

Ramita failed to continue her good performance from the qualifications in the final, and finished seventh in the final. Arjun Babuta narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth after being in the top three for the majority of the final.

India held Argentina to a 1-1 draw after a last-moment penalty corner conversion from skipper Harmanpreet Singh saved the day for the Men in Blue. Although the team isn't looking at its best, luck has been in their favour.

The third heartbreak of the day followed for the Indian contingent as the Men's Archery team of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai and Pravin Jadhav went down to Türkiye in the quarterfinals.

Lakshya Sen got past Carraggi in straight games. A win for him but with his win against Kevin Cordon standing cancelled, Lakshya needs to win the last match too to qualify.

And finally, to cap off the day, Manika Batra breezed past Prithika Pavade in straight games, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 and scripting a piece of history. She now becomes the first female paddler to qualify for the Round of 16 in Women's singles of table tennis at the Olympics.

That's all we have for you today folks! Join us back tomorrow for another exciting day of Olympics for the Indian contingent, with the possibility of a second medal in shooting. Until then, this is goodbye from team Sportskeeda. Good night!

Manika Batra (IND) beats Prithika Pavade (FRA) 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7

Table tennis is a sport that has seen Indian participation in each of the previous 9 editions of the Olympics. Ever since the sport was introduced at the quadrennial games in Seoul in 1988, a number of Indian paddlers have competed but none ever made it to the round of 16!! Today, Manika Batra becomes the first to do so.

The best part is how she did it. She had won her first match quite convincingly. Today, against an opponent ranked higher than her, Batra seemed to have lifted her game a notch further. Once the match begun, Pavade didn't seem to have a chance. Batra dictated terrms and won the match in 4 straight games. She not only put great technique on display but also exhibited immaculate composure. The crowd was vehemently behind the French paddler. But Batra did not let that get to her.

With this, she is theoretically three steps away from a podium finish. At the Olympic stage, that is still a long distance to travel. However, after this start, India can go to sleep tonight dreaming of a first Olympic medal in table tennis.

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 11 - 7 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 4-0]

MANIKA WRITES HISTORY!! She becomes the first Indian paddler ever to reach round of 16 at the Olympics!!!!!

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 10 - 7 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

Pavade is fighting it out. She comes back with a point with impressive display. Then, beats Batra with a backspin serve. The crowd cheers for Pavade.

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 10 - 5 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

ALMOST!! She made a quick smash that just manages to catch the edge of the table..!!!!

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 10 - 4 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

Batra within touching distance of victory now. MATCH POINT COMING UP! She once again flipped the paddle and smashed it powerfully.

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 8 - 3 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

Pavade comes back with a point. But then, Batra beats her in a long rally. Pavade is on her haunches. Batra can smell victory now.

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 6 - 2 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

BEATS HER ON THE SPIN! Twiddles the paddle on the serve. Pavade could not adjust to the quick spin into her.

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 5 - 1 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

EMOTIONS FLARE UP!!! Pavade screams in agony. Batra is bullying her at the moment. Answers the long serve by outstretching her right hand and dragging it back to Pavade with some power.

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 3 - 0 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

MANIKA IS TOO QUICK!! The 19-year old is rendered looking like an amateur. She cannot move swiftly enough to her left and misses the ball.

Game 4: Manika Batra (IND) 0 - 0 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

The next game begins with the French paddler serving. Do or die for her!

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 11 - 9 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 3-0]

FINALLY! Batra takes the game point on the 5th attempt. She bent down low and tried to smother the ball with the long pimple side. Pavade took a couple of steps backwards but only to drive the ball into the net.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 10 - 9 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

The action resumes, Pavade serves. AND AGAIN! Batra makes a receiving error. Hits the net. 5th game point now.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 10 - 8 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

Pavade makes a comeback with impressive back to back points. And, Manika drives the next one into the net. Batra wants a timeout now.!

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 10 - 5 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

Pushes Pavade back with a couple of powerful long shots. Then, drops it shot to fetch a point.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 9 - 5 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

ANOTHER LONG PIMPLE ATTACK! After losing a point, Batra comes back strongly. Though, as I type this, she makes an error which gives Pavade a point.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 8 - 3 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

Batra screams with joy and it reverberates around the arena. The crowd goes mum as Batra takes rapid strides towards clinching another game.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 6 - 3 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

OH! A couple of unforced errors from Batra and Pavade is back in it.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 5 - 1 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

A couple of errors in the serve from Pavade. Manika gets the point and her lead is now looking comfortable.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 2 - 1 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

FRENCH PADDLER BACK IN IT!! With a powerful smash, she catches Batra off guard. The crowd cheers boisterously as Pavade picks up a point.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 2 - 0 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

Manav Thakker and Ayhika Mukherjee can be seen in the crowd cheering the fellow Indian paddler on.

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 2 - 0 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

Pavade takes a timeout. Her coach walks up to her to give her a piece of advice. Will it change the 19-year old's fortunes?

Game 3: Manika Batra (IND) 2 - 0 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

ONCE AGAIN! SHE STARTS WELL! Picks up a two point lead in the third game. Pressure on the French player.

Game 2: Manika Batra (IND) 11 - 6 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 2-0]

Manika takes the second game too. She has displayed some high quality table tennis up until this point. She has moved swiftly while showing a masterclass of how to use the long pip. Constantly flipping the paddle in between to catch the French paddler off guard.

Game 2: Manika Batra (IND) 7 - 5 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 1-0]

Back to playing with the long pip. Manika picks consecutive points as Pavade hits the net twice.

Game 2: Manika Batra (IND) 5 - 5 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 1-0]

Once again! A brilliant forehand with a flat rubber from Manika Batra. She is delineating some positive body language as well.

Game 1: Manika Batra (IND) 3 - 4 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 1-0]

The 19-year old French paddler moves into the lead now. She's got some fire about her that makes her so entertaining to watch. Proper intensity game this.

Game 2: Manika Batra (IND) 3 - 3 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 1-0]

Pavade comes back strong to tie the scores in the second game. The crowd is vehemently behind her.

Game 1: Manika Batra (IND) 3 - 1 Prithika Pavade (FRA) [Game score: 1-0]

Manika continues the good work. She is leading the by 3-1. She flipped her paddle in her hand to use the flat rubber and send a quick one which caught Pavade off guard.

Game 1: Manika Batra (IND) 11 - 9 Prithika Pavade (FRA)

Manika Batra takes the first game! This game has got off to a brilliant start right off the bat and both players have shown some aggression so far. Hang on to your seats!

Game 1: Manika Batra (IND) 9 - 9 Prithika Pavade (FRA)

It's a thrilling start to this contest. Some stroke of luck for the French paddler but Batra has matched her stride for stride.

As you might have guessed, Prithika Pavade is a French paddler of Indian origin. The 18th rank player in the world will take on Manika Batra in the upcoming Round of 32 match. Here's everything you need to know about her.

Prithika Pavade: All you need to know about Manika Batra’s opponent in table tennis Round of 32 at Paris Olympics 2024

Batra had pretty much made her previous match a one-sided affair. She defeated Great Britain's Anna Hursey 11-8, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5. Though, today the competition she faces is expected to be stiffer. She is up against France's Prithika Pavade, who is rank 18th in the world. Batra is ranked 28th. The Indian paddler would not only be competing against an opponent with high skill and agility, but also against a crowd that would be vehemently behind Pavade, spurring her on.

Fasten your seatbelts, folks! The last event of the day is coming up and it promises to remind you of the word "Citius" in the Olympic motto. India's star paddler Manika Batra will be in action. Like most table tennis matches at this level, expect the sequence to unfold at lightning quick speed. Stay with us, as we try to match Batra's speed in describing her performance at the table.

Manika Batra's round of 32 match is all set to begin in half an hour. Click on the link below for a preview and prediction regarding the outcome of the contest 👇

Manika Batra Paris Olympics match: Paris Olympics 2024 Table Tennis: Manika Batra vs Prithika Pavade preview, prediction, head-to-head, and live stream details

We saw Prithviraj Tondaiman in action today in the Men's Trap qualification event. With the skeet events to follow - here is the difference between the two👇

Paris Olympics 2024: What is the difference between Skeet and Trap shotgun events? Know the differences in rules, scoring, and format

There is only one event for the Indian contingent pending - India's Manika Batra taking on France's Prithika Pavade in the round of 32 women's singles table tennis match. Stay tuned for all the live coverage of that match right here!

Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna hung up his boots for India after the exit in Paris 2024 Olympics, read all about it below 👇