New Delhi: Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has renewed her criticism of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), alleging that the federation failed to follow its own constitution while selecting the country’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games.

The controversy erupted earlier this month after Batra was omitted from India’s main squad for the 2026 Asian Games and was instead named among the reserves. The Games are scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

Batra questions nine-member selection committee

In a post on X on Friday, the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist claimed that the selection process was not conducted in accordance with the TTFI constitution.

According to Batra, the federation had informed her that the selection process strictly adhered to the rules. However, she alleged that a nine-member selection committee decided the Asian Games squad despite the federation’s constitution stipulating that no sub-committee can have more than seven members.

“TTFI, in its response to me, has stated that the entire selection process was conducted strictly in accordance with the rules. However, the documents with me show that a nine-member Selection Committee decided the Asian Games team, while Article 24(C)(j) of the TTFI constitution states that no Sub-committee can have more than seven members,” Batra wrote.

She added that the public should decide whether the process complied with the federation’s rules.

Dispute over selection criteria

The 31-year-old player had earlier argued that she was omitted because she could not participate in domestic tournaments due to a packed international calendar, visa-related issues and the need for recovery between competitions.

The TTFI had stated that participation in the domestic circuit was an important criterion for selection.

Batra also contended that her performances against top international opponents were not adequately considered while selecting the squad.

Currently ranked 51st in the world, Batra narrowly missed automatic qualification for the Asian Games team. Under the federation’s selection policy, players ranked within the top 50 of the international rankings secure automatic selection.

TTFI secretary general Kamlesh Mehta had earlier explained that for players outside the top 50, selection is based on a combination of international rankings, domestic rankings and the discretion of the selection committee.

According to the criteria, international rankings account for 50 per cent of the weightage, domestic rankings 40 per cent and the remaining 10 per cent rests with the selection committee.

Focus shifts to United States Smash

Despite her disappointment, Batra indicated that she would temporarily step back from the dispute and focus on competition.

The Indian paddler is currently participating in the 2026 United States Smash, which began on Friday.

“I am mentally exhausted from this fight, and for now, I am putting my sword down. I have a bigger responsibility today. I am currently at a tournament representing India, and my complete focus will now be on the tournament ahead,” she wrote.

Batra also extended her best wishes to the players selected for the Asian Games, urging them to make the country proud.

The controversy surrounding her exclusion has once again brought the spotlight on selection policies and governance issues within Indian table tennis, with the matter likely to remain a subject of debate in the coming weeks.