Los Angeles: Star Indian table tennis player Manika Batra has publicly questioned the selection process adopted by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) for the 2026 Asian Games squad after being named only as a reserve. In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, the three-time Olympian alleged that the federation violated its own Constitution while constituting the selection committee and expressed disappointment over the process.

Despite raising serious concerns, Batra said she would not pursue the matter further, stating that she was “mentally exhausted” and wanted to focus on her upcoming campaign at the United States Smash tournament in Los Angeles, which begins on June 26.

The development has sparked fresh debate over transparency and governance in Indian table tennis, particularly as one of the country’s most accomplished players finds herself outside the main squad for the prestigious continental event.

Manika questions constitutionality of selection panel

At the centre of Batra’s criticism is the composition of the committee that selected India’s squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

According to the paddler, Article 24(C)(j) of the TTFI Constitution specifies that no sub-committee of the federation should consist of more than seven members. However, she alleged that a nine-member committee was tasked with finalising the national squad, making the selection process inconsistent with the federation’s own rules.

In her statement, Manika said she possessed documents that contradicted the federation’s claim that the selection had been conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution.

She wrote that a nine-member committee had decided her fate while maintaining that the process was fully compliant, despite what she believes are constitutional violations.

Reserve status comes despite strong world ranking

Manika Batra is currently ranked World No. 51 in the WTT Women’s Singles rankings, making her India’s second-highest-ranked women’s singles player behind Sreeja Akula, who occupies the 44th position.

However, despite her international standing, Batra has been included only in the reserve list for the Asian Games squad.

The federation’s selection criteria place considerable emphasis on multiple factors rather than world rankings alone. Under the existing policy:

  • 50 per cent weightage is given to national rankings.
  • 40 per cent weightage is based on world rankings.
  • 10 per cent is left to the selectors’ discretion.

According to TTFI, Manika’s absence from several domestic tournaments affected her national ranking, which played a significant role in the final selection.

‘Mentally exhausted’ after prolonged battle

While voicing her concerns, Batra indicated that she was unwilling to continue a prolonged dispute with the federation.

She said she was “mentally exhausted with this fight” and had decided to “put the sword down” for now.

Instead of engaging in further administrative battles, the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medallist said her immediate priority would be representing India at the United States Smash tournament.

Her decision suggests that she intends to focus on maintaining her international form rather than seeking legal or administrative intervention over the Asian Games selection.

TTFI stands by its decision

The Table Tennis Federation of India has defended the selection process, maintaining that the squad was chosen strictly according to its approved policy.

The federation has reiterated that national rankings, international rankings and selectors’ discretion were all considered while finalising the team.

According to TTFI, the policy applies uniformly to all players, and Manika’s lower domestic ranking due to missed national competitions influenced her final position despite her higher international ranking.

Women’s squad announced for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

India’s women’s team for the 2026 Asian Games will be led by Sreeja Akula and includes Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Syndrela Das.

Manika Batra has been named among the reserves.

The controversy comes at a crucial time for Indian table tennis, as preparations intensify for one of Asia’s biggest multi-sport events. While the federation remains firm on its selection policy, Manika’s remarks have once again highlighted concerns over transparency, governance and athlete confidence in the selection process.