'Decision Based On...'! TTFI Clarifies Shock Manika Batra Asiad Exclusion

Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 00:26 IST

Manika had sought an explanation from the federation after being left out of the team for the continental event in Japan.

The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has clarified the selection committee adhered strictly to the established selection policy in selecting India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games and explained Manika Batra’s exclusion from the contingent.

Manika, a multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallist and an Asian Games medallist, had sought an explanation from the federation after being left out of the team for the continental event in Japan and raised the issue with TTFI last week.

In its response on Wednesday, TTFI emphasized that the selection process was conducted entirely according to the existing criteria. Under the policy, 50 percent weightage is assigned to national rankings, 40 percent to international rankings, and the remaining 10 percent is reserved for the selectors’ discretion.

Although Manika is currently ranked 51st in the latest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings, her absence from domestic tournaments meant that she did not hold a national ranking, which affected her overall evaluation. Had she been ranked within the world’s top 50 at the time of team selection on June 9, she would have secured an automatic berth in the squad.

According to a TTFI source, her omission was not the result of any single consideration. The source explained that the selection committee carried out a comprehensive assessment in line with the federation’s selection policy. This review included national and international performances, comparisons with other contenders, team balance, medal prospects, strategic suitability, and the opinions and votes of committee members.

Following this process, the committee concluded that the chosen five-member women’s team represented the strongest possible combination for the 2026 Asian Games.

Manika was subsequently named among the reserves, alongside Swastika Ghosh.

The source also revealed that a vote was required to determine the fifth and final member of the women’s team, with Suthirtha Mukherjee ultimately securing the position.

“The decision was based on the cumulative assessment undertaken by the selection committee in accordance with the Selection Policy, including National performance evaluation, Global performance evaluation, Comparative assessment of competing players, Team composition considerations, Medal prospects and strategic suitability and the views expressed and votes cast by the Selection Committee members," the source said.

“Upon completion of this exercise, the Committee determined that the selected five-member team was the most suitable for the Asian Games 2026," added the source.

“There was unanimity regarding the first four women players selected. For the fifth and final team composition, voting was conducted among the competing candidates. Sutirtha Mukherjee secured eight votes, while no votes were cast in favour of Swastika Ghosh for that position.

“For the first reserve position, Ms Swastika Ghosh secured six votes, while Manika secured two. For the second reserve position, she secured eight votes and were accordingly selected as the second reserve.

“The final outcome, therefore, reflected the collective decision of the duly constituted Selection Committee following discussion and voting.

“Her candidature was duly considered. The decision was taken bona fide, in accordance with the governing policy and within the timelines set by the IOA,"  the source added.

According to the federation, there was unanimous agreement on the first four players selected. For the final place in the team, committee members voted among the remaining candidates. Suthirtha Mukherjee received eight votes, while Swastika Ghosh did not receive any votes for that spot.

For the first reserve position, Swastika Ghosh secured six votes compared to Manika’s two votes. In the voting for the second reserve position, Manika received all eight votes, earning her place as the second reserve.

The source stated that the final composition of the squad reflected the collective judgment of the duly constituted selection committee after discussion and voting.

Reiterating the federation’s stance, the source said that Manika’s candidature had been fully considered and that the decision was taken in good faith, in accordance with the governing policy and within the deadlines prescribed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The deadline for submitting entries to the IOA was June 10.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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