New Delhi: India’s top-ranked table tennis player, Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) after being left out of the country’s Asian Games squad, demanding a “clear and factual explanation” for what she described as an arbitrary decision.
The 31-year-old Olympian was omitted from the 10-member Indian squad and instead named among the reserves after failing to meet the federation’s selection criteria, which required participation in national-level events.
Batra, however, has clarified that she is not seeking special treatment or demanding that the decision be overturned, but is instead asking for transparency regarding the selection process.
‘I am asking for answers’
In a public statement, Batra said speculation that she was seeking a place in the team or asking for preferential treatment was incorrect.
“Let me state this clearly. I am not asking to be selected. I am not asking anyone to overturn the decision. I am asking for answers,” she said.
The star paddler warned that if she does not receive a satisfactory explanation regarding the basis of her exclusion, she would pursue all available remedies, including legal action.
“I sincerely hope that a clear and factual explanation is provided. However, if I do not receive satisfactory answers regarding the basis of this decision, I will be left with no option but to explore all remedies available to me, including legal recourse through my legal team,” she stated.
Batra has also sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
International commitments cited
Responding to criticism over her absence from domestic competitions, Batra argued that her international schedule should have been taken into consideration.
Currently ranked World No. 51 in women’s singles and India’s second-highest-ranked player behind Sreeja Akula, Batra said her packed international calendar prevented her from returning to India to compete in national events.
“Domestic participation cannot be viewed in isolation from international commitments,” she said.
She, however, acknowledged the importance of domestic tournaments and said she would be more mindful of participating in national competitions in the future.
“I will certainly be more mindful of participating in national events going forward and will continue to do my best to contribute to Indian table tennis at every level,” she added.
Questions over selection process
Former India captain Achanta Sharath Kamal backed the federation’s stand, saying that selection rules should apply equally to all players. At the same time, he also maintained that India’s strongest available players should represent the country at the Asian Games.
Batra, however, questioned the transparency and credentials of those involved in the selection process.
She asked whether athletes had a right to know who was making the decisions and what qualifications or international experience the members of the selection committee possessed.
“How many members of the Selection Committee have represented India internationally? How many have competed at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, or at the highest levels of table tennis?” she questioned.
The paddler also sought clarification on whether any vote against her selection was based on documented performance criteria or subjective opinions.
Calls for transparency and accountability
Batra said the issue extends beyond her individual exclusion and concerns the broader principles of transparency and accountability in Indian sport.
“That is why I have requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Sports Minister to look into this matter. Not because I want a place in the team. Not because I want special treatment,” she said.
“But because I believe every athlete deserves transparency, consistency and accountability in the selection process.”
The controversy has sparked a wider debate over selection policies and governance in Indian sports, with many awaiting a response from the federation regarding Batra’s allegations and demands for clarity.
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