Gold Medals and Goyard Bags: Manika Batra's Winning Style

Manika Batra serves gold medals, Margiela fits, and a serious case for why table tennis needs its own fashion moment.

- Tanishka Aggarwal

After much ado, I am somehow able to snag a small slot in Manika Batra's jam-packed schedule. At the time of our chat, the "golden girl" of table tennis had just returned from her stellar performance at the USD 300,000 WTT Star Contender 2025 games in London. Even though she lost in the quarter-finals, Batra managed to beat world no.12 from China, Shi Xunyao, in a match that had viewers on the edge of their seats. But unlike many interviews on her paddle style, this one is more about the kind she carries on her sleeves—quite literally.

Exhibit A—the 30-year-old's Instagram feed, which is unlike that of many other Indian athletes. Interspersed with professionally shot photos of her playing on international stages, there are glimpses into her fashionable personal life. Olympic-themed nail art, Celine sweaters, and a Miss Dior cropped tee sit beside athleisure from PUMA, adidas, and Nike. When asked, Batra isn't shy to admit: "My priority is always the sport, but I love to style myself. Because I'm tall, I usually go for a clean, minimal yet expressive look, outfits that are simple but still say something about me." To brave the colder temperature of London, where she was the night before the interview, she relied on her Moncler jacket. "Oh, and I love Goyard bags! And, not to forget, Miu Miu shoes."

STYLE: PADDLE AND PERSONAL