Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has escalated her fight against her exclusion from India's squad for the 2026 Asian Games, stating that she may take legal action if the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) does not provide a clear explanation for the decision. The former Commonwealth Games gold medallist has also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for intervention.
Manika seeks transparency in the selection process
According to NDTV Sports, Manika clarified that her appeal is not aimed at securing a place in the Asian Games squad through external influence. Instead, she wants the federation to explain the criteria used in selecting the team and the reasons behind her omission.
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The 31-year-old said there has been widespread misunderstanding surrounding the issue, with many believing she is trying to overturn the selection decision. She stressed that her demand is simply for transparency and fairness in a process that affects athletes' careers.
Five days since officially seeking an explanation from the TTFI, Manika Batra is still waiting for a reply from the TTFI. Meanwhile, the paddler has issued another statement, hinting at being forced to seek legal help following her exclusion from the women's table tennis squad…
— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) June 24, 2026
Manika also questioned whether the selection rules were applied consistently to all players. According to her, athletes deserve clear communication regarding eligibility requirements and the factors considered during team selection.
Legal options on the table
The Indian paddler warned that she could approach the courts if the federation fails to provide satisfactory answers. She said her legal team is examining the matter and that all available options remain open.
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TTFI has maintained that Manika did not meet the eligibility criteria for selection because she did not participate in certain domestic ranking tournaments, which impacted her national ranking. The federation has argued that the selection process was carried out according to the established guidelines.
However, Manika's exclusion has triggered debate within Indian table tennis circles, especially because she remains one of the country's highest-ranked and most accomplished players on the international stage.
With the 2026 Asian Games in Japan approaching, the controversy has drawn significant attention and renewed discussions about transparency, consistency and communication in the selection policies of national sports federations. The coming weeks could prove crucial as Manika awaits a formal response while keeping the option of legal action firmly on the table.
