Manika Batra deeply disappointed by Asian Games, claims lack of transparency

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has expressed deep disappointment after being left out of the national team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The veteran paddler has now appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviy and the Indian Olympic Association to intervene and ensure transparency in the selection process.

The surprise disqualification prompted Batra to raise questions about the selection criteria and consistency in the application of rating-based norms by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Manika, who is currently the second highest ranked singles player in India, took to social media to express her dismay at the decision and the confusion given to her.

“My non-selection for the 2026 Asian Games team is deeply disheartening, with no specific reason given,” she wrote on X on Friday, June 19, one day after the insult.

“Consistency questions arise because different thresholds and considerations were applied in the previous selection cycle compared to my case. If the same rules as in the last Asian Games selection are to apply, then there is a need to clarify how those rules were interpreted this time,” she added. Manika Batra appeals for support after surprise Asian Games rejection (screenshot from X)

The 20th Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, with India looking to build on its recent multi-sport performances across disciplines.

SELECTION DEBATE ON CRITERIA CONSISTENCY

Manik’s omission is said to be connected with her absence from some domestic ranking events, which affected her position in the TTFI national rankings. Despite this, he remains part of the reserve list alongside Svastika Ghosh.

The TTFI selection system gives weightage to both international and national rankings with additional discretionary input from the selection committee. According to the 2023 policy, 50 percent weightage is assigned to national rankings, 40 percent to world rankings and 10 percent to the discretion of the selection committee.

A multiple Commonwealth Games medalist and 2018 Asian Games mixed doubles bronze medalist, Manika is currently ranked 51st in the ITTF World Rankings, with Sreeja Akula ahead of her at 45th.

The TTFI defended its selection process, stating that only the most consistent and highest ranked players were selected for the team.

“The selection process has ensured that India’s highest-ranking and most consistent performers get the opportunity to represent the country at Asia’s biggest multi-sport event,” the federation said on Thursday, June 18.

Controversy has now focused on the transparency and consistency of selection policies, with questions raised about how the various criteria were applied throughout the selection cycles. Manika’s appeal to the highest government authorities highlights the growing friction between athlete expectations and federation-run evaluation systems, particularly in sports where qualification is heavily data-driven but still allows for discretionary judgement.

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Published on:

19 Jun 2026 10:16 IST