Manika Batra Breaks Silence After Asian Games Snub, Questions TTFI Selection Process

Last Updated:June 19, 2026, 11:03 IST

Manika Batra has questioned the transparency and consistency of TTFI’s Asian Games selection process, calling for clarity after being left out of India’s squad.

India’s top table tennis star Manika Batra has publicly questioned the transparency and consistency of the selection process after being left out of India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games.

The 31-year-old, one of India’s most decorated paddlers, was omitted from the main squad and named only among the reserves alongside Swastika Ghosh. Her exclusion stems largely from the fact that she does not feature in the current domestic rankings after missing national events due to international commitments.

In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, Batra said the decision was “deeply disheartening" and claimed no clear explanation had been provided.

“My exclusion from the Asian Games 2026 squad is deeply disheartening, not only because of the outcome, but because of the manner in which the selection criteria appear to have been interpreted and applied. No specific reason has been communicated to me."

Questions Over Selection Criteria

Batra’s primary concern centres around what she describes as the inconsistent application of selection norms.

The selection policy, introduced in 2023, allocates 50 percent weightage to national rankings, 40 percent to world rankings, and leaves 10 percent to the discretion of the selection committee.

“If discretion forms even a small part of the process, then the manner in which it is applied must be transparent, uniform, and clearly recorded," Batra said. “Any variation in its application naturally raises questions of fairness and equal treatment."

She has formally sought a detailed explanation from the Table Tennis Federation of India and appealed to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the Indian Olympic Association to examine the matter.

Rankings Vs Reputation

Currently ranked World No. 51, Batra remains India’s second-highest ranked women’s singles player behind Sreeja Akula, who sits at No. 45.

The Commonwealth Games medallist and 2018 Asian Games mixed doubles bronze winner argued that rankings alone should not outweigh years of international success.

“I find it difficult to understand how this alone becomes a decisive factor outweighing long-standing performance at the highest level."

She also noted that rankings fluctuate constantly due to the rolling nature of the points system and may not always reflect a player’s current form.

TTFI Stands Firm

Earlier in the day, the TTFI defended its selections, saying players were chosen based on international and national rankings.

“The selection process ensured that India’s highest-ranked and most consistent performers earned the opportunity to represent the country," the federation stated.

The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Nagoya and Aichi from September 19 to October 4, with table tennis events scheduled between September 20 and 28.

(with PTI inputs)

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Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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