Did you know Manika Batra turned down modelling as a career?

Indian table tennis sensation Manika Batra celebrated her birthday on June 15, 2020. Today we take a sneak peek into her life on Instagram and look at her journey in the game. Pictures Courtesy/ Manika Batra Instagram

Updated On: 2020-06-19 10:12 AM IST

Manika Batra was born on June 15, 1995 in Naraina Vihar, Delhi. She is the youngest of three children.

It was at the age of four that Manika Batra discovered her love for table tennis and started playing.

Manika Batra's elder sister Aanchal and elder brother Sahil played table tennis. It was Aanchal who influenced her decision to take up the sport

As a teenager, Manika Batra had turned down modelling as a career.

Manika Batra won three gold medals at the 2016 South Asian Games in women's doubles and mixed doubles. She won a silver medal in the singles category.

At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Manika Batra led the Indian women's team to a gold medal. She also won a gold medal in the singles tournament and a silver and bronze in women's doubles and mixed doubles respectively.

Manika Batra was on the cover of the Femina issue in July 2018 and Vogue in November that year.

On her birthday in 2020, Manika Batra shared a candid photo and wrote, "15thjune. Birthday makes me realise the growth in age... but your wishes and love make me feel that it’s worth living this life! Thank you for all the love and greetings! Love you all."

Amid the Coronavirus pandemic Manika Batra showed her support and wore a homemade mask and wrote, "Our one-step can be a contribution to the country in a big way! I support the #maskindia movement and here's my picture wearing my homemade mask."

Manika Batra: Sometimes God closes doors because it’s time to Move forward. He knows you won’t move unless your circumstances force you. Trust the transition. God’s got you!! #trustgodsplan #keepworkinghard #dontstop #nevergiveup #followyourdreams #manikabatra

On Women's Day, Manika Batra wrote, "Despite failures, you stand up. Despite the setbacks, you keep moving forward. Keep dreaming to fly higher reaching new heights. The world needs more women like you. HAPPY WOMENS DAY TO ALL THE LADIES OUT THERE. #happywomensday"

Manika Batra: Sometimes you just need to disconnect and enjoy your own company. #behappyalways #sm #positivethoughts #loveyourself #peace #happiness

On her mother's birthday, Manika Batra shared this photo with a touching birthday wish: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my angel MOM. Mumma I know you have sacrificed many things for me your sleep, social life , spending money, and so many other things. I really love you. And you know the best part is...we argue , we fight, we even stop talking to each other at times , but in the end... the love will always be there. Mumma you gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, shouted at me, kissed me but most importantly you have loved me unconditionally. There are not enough words to describe just how important you are to me. God Bless you Mom. I love you so much. #momsbirthday #missyou #mylife #happiness

Manika Batra: The sun is a daily reminder that we too can rise again from the darkness. That we too can shine our own light

Manika Batra: The key to being happy is knowing you have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go. #behappy #impressyourself #bepositive

On the festival of Lohri, Manika Batra shared this glamourous selfie and wished her fans, "May the harvest festival be full of high spirits for you and your loved ones. Wishing you a #happylohri"

Manika Batra: I don’t have an “Attitude” problem, I just have a “Personality”.. you can’t handle it!

Manika Batra shared this pic on her friend's birthday and wished her: Yaaayyy!!!!..... It’s your BIRTHDAY, Let’s do something stupid Together HAPPY BIRTHDAY @ayhika_m Have a Blast. #favouritejunior #fungirl #keepsmilingalways #behappyalways #keepshining #loveyou

Manika Batra had an emotional post for her close friend: My alarm when I am lazy, Calm when anyone creates a storm, Making me walk towards hard work and truth. Be it blood or sweat, effort comes first .. a journey lived each day, meaningful and determined. Be it bad or good times someone who doesn’t just pose but actually stands by me in a real way ..SP

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