Manika Batra Loses Sports Gear On Flight Ahead Of Asian Games, Seeks Government Aid To Recover

Addressing Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, table tennis star Manika Batra expressed her dismay over the situation.

With the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Manika Batra stands as a promising contender for India's medal aspirations, making the recovery of her essential sports equipment all the more crucial.

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: Renowned Indian table tennis sensation Manika Batra has encountered an unfortunate setback, as her sports equipment went missing along with her baggage during her return journey from a tournament in Peru aboard a KLM Airlines flight. Batra, who holds the 35th spot in the global rankings, has now turned to the government for assistance in recovering her lost belongings.

Addressing Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Batra expressed her dismay over the situation. Despite traveling in the business class of the Dutch airline, she never anticipated losing baggage that was tagged as a priority.

Expressing her frustration on her official Twitter account, Batra wrote, "Unbelievable disappointment with @KLM.! Priority-tagged baggage lost on a business class flight, including my essential sports kit for an upcoming tournament. Staff at the airport had no answers or any solutions & they had no idea where my bag is. @JM_Scindia sir pls help."

Unbelievable disappointment with @KLM! Priority-tagged baggage lost on a business class flight, including my essential sports kit for an upcoming tournament.Staff at the airport had no answers or any solutions & they had no idea where my bag is.@JM_Scindia sir pls help🙏
-contd.. pic.twitter.com/JsZSmKCSt5

— Manika Batra (@manikabatra_TT) August 8, 2023

The incident occurred as Batra was returning to India (August 6-7 flight) after competing in a WTT Contender tournament in Lima, which involved a layover in Amsterdam.

During the tournament, the 28-year-old athlete showcased her remarkable skills, advancing to the round of 32. Unfortunately, she faced defeat at the hands of Japan's world number 14, Miu Hirano, in a closely contested match with a scoreline of 11-3, 11-7, 10-12, 6-11, 9-11.

Also On ABP LIVE | Huge Upset At FIFA Women's World Cup! Four-Time Winners And Defending Champions USA Knocked Out By Sweden In Round Of 16

With the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Manika Batra stands as a promising contender for India's medal aspirations, making the recovery of her essential sports equipment all the more crucial.

Batra and the experienced G Sathiyan are ranked seventh in mixed doubles and the pair is expected to lead India’s charge in the September 23 to October 8 Asian Games.

(With Inputs From PTI)