Manika Batra’s Asian Games doors remain firmly shut: Table Tennis Federation source

Manika Batra’s hopes of making India’s Asian Games team remain firmly on the back burner after the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) defended its selection process and made it clear that her omission was in line with existing criteria.

Responding to the multiple Commonwealth Games gold medalist’s demand for clarification on her exclusion on Wednesday, the TTFI said the selection committee had given due consideration to her candidature but had selected the final team strictly based on the federation’s policy.

The federation claimed that the decision was not influenced by any single factor and instead came after a wider assessment of the team’s performances and requirements.

Under the TTFI selection framework, 50 per cent weightage is national ranking, 40 per cent international ranking, while selectors retain 10 per cent discretionary power.

WHY WASN’T MANIKA BATRA CHOSEN?

Manika, currently ranked 51st in the world, missed out largely because she did not compete in domestic events and therefore did not bring a national ranking to the selection process. An automatic place would only be available if she was in the top 50 of the ITTF rankings when the squad was finalized on 9 June.

A federation source said the final decision was taken after considering national performances, international results, player benchmarking, team record, medal prospects and strategic suitability.

“Her candidature was given due consideration. The decision was taken in good faith, in accordance with government policy and within the time limits set by the IOA,” the source said.

The source further revealed that while the top four female spots were chosen unanimously, the fifth and final spot in the lineup was voted on.

Sutirtha Mukherjee emerged as the preferred choice after receiving eight votes. Manika was subsequently placed among the backups next to the Ghosh swastika.

The clarification comes days after Manika publicly questioned the transparency of the selection process and warned that she may explore legal options if she does not receive a satisfactory explanation from the federation.

India’s final entries for the Asian Games had to be submitted to the Indian Olympic Association by 10 June.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

June 25, 2026 1:32 PM IST