Asian Games Snub Sparks Row: Manika Batra Threatens Legal Action Against TTFI

Manika Batra Seeks Answers Over Asian Games Snub, Warns of Legal Action Against TTFI

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 country’s Asian Games squad, demanding transparency over the selection process.

The 31-year-old Olympian was named among the reserves rather than the main 10-member squad after reportedly failing to meet the federation’s selection criteria, which mandated participation in national-level tournaments.

In a strongly worded statement, Manika clarified that she is not seeking a place in the team or requesting any special consideration. Instead, she said she wants a clear explanation for the decision that left her out of the squad.

“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 said.

International Commitments Behind National Event Absence

Addressing criticism over her non-participation in domestic competitions, Manika argued that her international schedule made it difficult to compete in national events. Ranked World No. 51 and India’s second-highest-ranked women’s singles player behind Sreeja Akula, she said domestic participation should be viewed in the context of international obligations.

While acknowledging the importance of national tournaments, Manika said she would make greater efforts to participate in such events in the future.

Questions Over Selection Transparency

The controversy has sparked debate within Indian table tennis. Former India captain Achanta Sharath Kamal supported the principle that selection rules should apply equally to all players, though he also stressed the importance of fielding the country’s strongest team at the Asian Games.

Manika, however, questioned the transparency and credentials of those involved in the selection process. She asked whether members of the selection committee possessed international playing experience and sought clarity on the factors that influenced the decision.

According to Manika, athletes deserve to know how selection decisions are made and whether those decisions are based on objective performance criteria or subjective assessments.

She has also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to look into the matter, emphasizing that her demand is for accountability, consistency and transparency in athlete selection rather than a reversal of the decision.

“To be absolutely clear once again — I am asking questions, not special consideration,” Manika said.