Manika Batra Questions Selection Process for Asian Games

Concerns Over Selection Process

Prominent table tennis athlete Manika Batra has raised concerns regarding her inclusion in the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Games, alleging that the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) did not adhere to its own Constitution during the selection process. Despite her grievances, Batra has decided not to pursue the matter further, expressing that she feels "mentally exhausted" and is ready to focus on her upcoming competitions instead. She is scheduled to participate in the United States Smash tournament, which begins on June 26 in Los Angeles.

Currently ranked 51st in the WTT Women's Singles standings, Batra is the second-highest-ranked female player in India, following Sreeja Akula, who holds the 44th position globally. Batra has been placed in the reserve list of India's ten-member squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. On social media, she publicly challenged the federation's selection methods, particularly criticizing the makeup of the selection committee, which she claims violates Article 24(C)(j) of the TTFI Constitution.

According to this provision, no sub-committee of the federation should exceed seven members. However, Batra alleged that a nine-member selection panel was responsible for determining the Indian squad, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the selection process. In her statement, she expressed frustration, stating, "A nine-member committee decided my fate, yet I am being told that the process was fully compliant with the Constitution and the rules." She also mentioned that documents in her possession contradicted the federation's claims regarding the selection process.

'Putting My Sword Down'

Despite her public objections, Batra indicated that she would not escalate the issue further, opting instead to move on from the ongoing dispute. "I am mentally exhausted with this fight and for now, I am putting my sword down," she stated. The Indian player emphasized that her immediate focus would be on representing her country in the ongoing tournament in the United States, indicating her desire to prioritize competition over administrative conflicts.

In response, the TTFI defended its decision, asserting that the squad was selected in accordance with its established selection policy. The federation's criteria involve evaluating players based on 50% national rankings, 40% world rankings, and 10% at the discretion of the selectors. Although Batra remains a top-ranked player internationally, her absence from several domestic events has impacted her national ranking, which is a significant factor in the federation's selection criteria. The women's team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be led by Sreeja Akula and includes players such as Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee, and Syndrela Das, with Batra listed only as a reserve.