India’s leading table tennis player, Manika Batra, has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) after being excluded from the Asian Games squad.
The 31-year-old Olympian, currently ranked World No. 51 in women’s singles, questioned the transparency of the selection process and demanded a clear explanation.
Manika was named among the reserves after failing to meet the federation’s criteria requiring participation in national-level events. She argued that her packed international calendar prevented her from competing domestically and insisted that her absence should not be viewed in isolation.
“I am not asking to be selected or for special treatment. I am asking for answers,” she said in a statement. She warned that if she does not receive a satisfactory explanation, she will pursue legal remedies through her legal team.
Manika also sought intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, stressing that athletes deserve transparency and accountability in selection decisions. She questioned the credentials of the selection committee, asking how many members had represented India internationally or competed at major events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Former India captain Achanta Sharath Kamal supported the federation’s stance that rules must apply equally, but acknowledged that the strongest players should represent India. Manika countered that her concerns go beyond personal disappointment, highlighting the need for consistent and fair selection standards.
