Banned from the Asian Games team, Manika Batra threatens to sue the table tennis association
India’s top table tennis player Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the sports federation after she was left out of India’s Asian Games squad, demanding a “clear and factual explanation” for what she described as an arbitrary decision.
The 31-year-old Olympian was left out of the 10-member squad and included in the reserves after failing to meet the Table Tennis Federation of India’s (TTFI) selection criteria, which required participation in national-level events.
In a public address on the issue, Manika also sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviy, insisting that she was not asking for special treatment or seeking reversal of the selection decision.
“Over the past few days, I have seen many people saying that I am looking for a place on the Asian Games team or that I am asking for special consideration. Let me be clear. I am not asking to be selected. I am not asking anyone to overturn the decision. I am asking for answers,” she said in a statement.
Manika warned that she would pursue all available options, including legal action, if she did not receive a satisfactory explanation as to the reason for her omission.
“I sincerely hope that a clear and factual explanation will be provided. However, if I do not receive satisfactory answers regarding the basis of this decision, I will have no choice but to explore all remedies available to me, including legal action through my legal team,” she said.
WHY MANIKA BATRA DIDN’T PLAY THE NATIONAL EVENT?
Responding to criticism of her absence from domestic competitions, Manika claimed that her international commitments should have been taken into account.
Manika, currently ranked world No. 51 in women’s singles and India’s second-highest ranked player behind Sreeja Akula, said she was unable to return and compete at home due to a busy international calendar.
“Domestic participation cannot be seen in isolation from international commitments. With that in mind, I will definitely pay more attention to participating in national events in future and will continue to do my best to contribute to Indian table tennis at all levels,” she said.
SELECTION PROCESS OF MANIK QUESTIONS
Former India captain Achanta Sharath Kamal supported the federation’s stance, saying the selection rules must apply equally, though he also argued that India should be represented at the Asian Games by the country’s strongest available players.
However, Manika questioned the credibility and transparency of the selection process.
“…athletes have a right to know who makes these decisions and what qualifications or experience they bring to the selection process. How many members of the selection committee have represented India at the international level?” she asked.
“How many have competed at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or at the highest levels of table tennis? If I was voted against, what were the reasons for those votes? Was it based on documented performance criteria or subjective opinions?”
Manika argued that the issue went beyond her own omission and said her concerns should not be dismissed as emotional disappointment over a single tender.
“That is why I have asked the Honorable Prime Minister and the Honorable Sports Minister to look into this matter. Not because I want a place in the team. Not because I want special treatment.”
“But because I believe that every athlete deserves transparency, consistency and accountability in the selection process.
“And just to be absolutely clear again – I’m asking questions, not special attention.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
24 Jun 2026 12:54 IST