India’s top table tennis player Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the sport’s federation after being left out of India’s Asian Games squad, demanding a “clear and factual explanation” behind what she described as an arbitrary decision.
The 31-year-old Olympian was omitted from the 10-member squad and named among the reserves after failing to satisfy the Table Tennis Federation of India’s (TTFI) selection criteria, which required participation in national-level events.
Speaking publicly on the issue, Manika also sought intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, while insisting that she was not asking for special treatment or demanding a reversal of the selection decision.
“Over the last few days, I have seen many people say that I am seeking a place in the Asian Games team or that I am asking for special consideration. Let me state this clearly. I am not asking to be selected. I am not asking anyone to overturn the decision. I am asking for answers,” she said in a statement.
Manika warned that if she does not receive a satisfactory explanation regarding the basis of her omission, she would pursue all available options, including legal action.
“I sincerely hope that a clear and factual explanation is provided. However, if I do not receive satisfactory answers regarding the basis of this decision, I will be left with no option but to explore all remedies available to me, including legal recourse through my legal team,” she said.
WHY DID MANIKA BATRA NOT PLAY NATIONAL EVENTS?
Responding to criticism over her absence from domestic competitions, Manika argued that her international commitments should have been taken into account.
Currently, ranked World No. 51 in women’s singles and India’s second-highest ranked player behind Sreeja Akula, Manika said she was unable to return and compete domestically because of a packed international calendar.
“Domestic participation cannot be viewed in isolation from international commitments. Having said that, I will certainly be more mindful of participating in national events going forward and will continue to do my best to contribute to Indian table tennis at every level,” she said.
MANIKA QUESTIONS SELECTION PROCESS
Former India captain Achanta Sharath Kamal backed the federation’s position, saying selection rules must apply equally, although he also maintained that the country’s strongest available players should represent India at the Asian Games.
Manika, however, questioned the credentials and transparency of the selection process.
“…athletes have a right to know who is making these decisions and what qualifications or experience they bring to the selection process. How many members of the Selection Committee have represented India internationally?” she asked.
“How many have competed at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, or at the highest levels of table tennis? If a vote was taken against me, what were the reasons behind those votes? Were they based on documented performance criteria, or on subjective opinions?”
Arguing that the issue goes beyond her own omission, Manika said her concerns should not be dismissed as emotional disappointment over one selection call.
“That is why I have requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Sports Minister to look into this matter. Not because I want a place in the team. Not because I want special treatment.
“But because I believe every athlete deserves transparency, consistency and accountability in the selection process.
“And just to be absolutely clear once again – I am asking questions, not special consideration.”
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. Batra, who was left out of India's Asian Games squad, has demanded transparency from the federation over the selection process.){kind=link}