Manika Batra questions TTFI selection norms after Asian Games 2026 omission

Manika Batra has questioned how the Table Tennis Federation of India applied its selection rules. Manika Batra was left out of India’s Asian Games 2026 table tennis squad.

Manika Batra said the criteria appeared uneven and unclear. The exclusion followed Manika Batra missing domestic events. That absence kept Manika Batra out of TTFI national rankings.

Manika Batra is listed among reserves, along with Swastika Ghosh. Manika Batra said the decision hurt because reasons were not shared directly.

“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,” Manika said in a statement.

Asian Games 2026 selection criteria and TTFI rankings

The TTFI earlier said it picks players using international and national rankings. \”The selection process ensured that Indias highest-ranked and most consistent performers earned the opportunity to represent the country at Asias biggest multi-sport event, said TTFI. The 2023 policy gives 50 percent weight to national ranks. It gives 40 percent to world ranks. It leaves 10 percent to the selection committee.

Manika Batra said the use of discretion needs clear records and equal treatment. “A key concern remains the consistency of application of selection norms. 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. Any variation in its application naturally raises questions of fairness and equal treatment.

Asian Games 2026 squad concerns and Manika Batra statement

Manika Batra said Manika Batra never asked for different rules while playing for India. Manika Batra said the same standards should apply to all athletes. Manika Batra approached Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association leaders. Manika Batra also asked for a full explanation for being left out.

“I have formally sought a detailed explanation regarding my non-selection, including the complete basis of the decision, applicable norms, selection criteria, and the manner in which each factor was weighted in my case. I expect a clear, structured, and factual response supported by documented criteria.

“I respectfully request the Honble Sports Minister and the leadership of the Indian Olympic Association to kindly look into this matter to ensure that the process is transparent, consistent, and fair to all athletes. I am seeking full clarity and accountability so that there is no ambiguity in how selection decisions are made at the highest level.

Asian Games 2026 dates and India table tennis rankings

The 20th Asian Games will be in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Table tennis matches will run from September 20 to 28. Manika Batra has won several Commonwealth Games medals. Manika Batra also won a mixed doubles bronze at the 2018 Asian Games.

Manika Batra is India’s second-highest ranked women’s player on the ITTF list. Manika Batra is ranked 51 in the latest ITTF standings. Sreeja Akula is ranked 45 and is India’s top women’s singles player. Manika Batra said it was hard to accept rankings as the only deciding point.

“As per publicly reported information, the selection framework is understood to be based on a combination of World Ranking, National Ranking, and Selection Committee discretion. If this is indeed the case, then transparency requires that each component and its application be clearly explained to the athletes concerned,” Manika said.

Manika Batra referred to past selections during the previous Asian Games cycle. “I also note that during the previous Asian Games selection cycle, players who were outside similar ranking thresholds in both World Ranking beyond the top 50 and National Ranking outside the top 10 were still included in the squad under special considerations and were given special privileges. This makes it important that the present selection clearly explains how the same or similar principles have been applied or not applied in my case.”

Manika Batra said Manika Batra’s world ranking slipped just outside the top 50 recently. “With respect to World Ranking, I am currently World No. 51, having moved just outside the Top 50 very recently. The margin is extremely narrow, and I remain very close to that bracket. I have not dropped to a distant range; rather, I am at a marginal difference where movement in either direction can occur within a single ranking cycle.

“In such a context, I find it difficult to understand how this alone becomes a decisive factor outweighing long-standing performance at the highest level. It is also important to highlight that international ranking points operate on a rolling system, where older points are replaced and removed as part of the cycle.”

Manika Batra said form and results may not always match ranking movement. “Rankings therefore do not always reflect the complete picture of current form. If ranking is being used as a key criterion, then the timeline and sustainability of ranking movement should also be considered, including whether such changes are recent or sustained over time… My current form reflects consistency at a high international level. If rankings and numbers are to be the primary basis of selection, it is also important to recognise that ranking fluctuations are dynamic for all athletes within the same competitive cycle and can change significantly over short periods.”

Manika Batra also spoke about domestic events and national ranking limits. “Regarding National Ranking considerations, I understand that domestic performance has been cited in the selection discussion. However, with the increasing number of international tournaments and the demands of maintaining consistent performance at the highest global level, it is not always feasible to participate in every domestic event.

“Throughout my career, my focus has been on representing India in international competitions consistently, and national ranking should therefore be viewed in the context of these international commitments rather than in isolation.”

The dispute has centred on how the TTFI policy was applied to Manika Batra. Manika Batra said Manika Batra wants written reasons and documented criteria. TTFI has maintained that rankings guided the choices. The Asian Games in Japan will begin on September 19. The selection issue remains linked to transparency and consistency claims.

With inputs from PTI