India’s table tennis icon Achanta Sharath Kamal has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding Manika Batra’s exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming Asian Games, stressing that the country’s strongest players should ultimately represent India in its quest for medals.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Athletes Forum on Friday, Sharath refrained from directly commenting on the decision taken by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), which dropped Manika from the Asian Games squad for failing to meet selection criteria related to participation in domestic competitions.
“I cannot say much on this because I am not part of the selection committee. But I just hope that the best players are there so that India can win medals,” Sharath told PTI.
The veteran paddler, however, indicated that the matter may not be completely closed and suggested there could still be possibilities for resolving the situation.
“I think it is not yet over. There could be ways where we could figure out a way if she can make it to the team. But again, it is not for me to decide,” he added.
WHY MANIKA MISSED OUT?
According to Sharath, the TTFI had requested the IOA to consider extending the timeline for finalising entries, as a key tournament that could impact rankings was still underway.
Under the selection policy, players ranked inside the world’s top 50 earned automatic qualification. While Manika has been India’s leading women’s table tennis player for several years, she was ranked World No. 51 at the relevant cut-off date.
“There was a certain date decided when the selection process would be done. At that exact point, she did not fulfil the criteria,” Sharath explained.
Manika has questioned the selection norms, arguing that long-term performances at the highest level should also have been factored into the final squad composition.
RULES OR FLEXIBILITY
Asked whether exceptional performers should receive special consideration, Sharath maintained a balanced stance.
“There are certain rules. For certain players, if you want to bend those rules, it is up to the federation. But in the end, we should make sure that the best players are selected for the team,” he said.
The seven-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist also noted that selection disputes have become increasingly common before major multi-sport events, making it important for federations to find a middle ground that serves both athletes and team interests.
INDIA’S CHANCES AT ASIAN GAMES
Looking ahead to the Asian Games in Japan later this year, Sharath expressed confidence in India’s growing strength in table tennis.
He highlighted the depth in both men’s and women’s squads, pointing to India’s highly ranked doubles combinations and stronger bench strength compared to previous generations.
Sharath, who will serve as deputy chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent, also acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by the Games due to multiple athlete clusters instead of a single village.
Despite expecting a tough challenge, he said India would aim to match or surpass its historic 107-medal haul from the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country finished fourth in the overall standings.
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