Manika Batra Questions Asian Games Snub, Seeks Clarity On Selection

Published 18 June 2026 · politics

Manika Batra Questions Asian Games Snub, Seeks Clarity On Selection Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 23:54 IST Manika Batra questions her exclusion from

Manika Batra Questions Asian Games Snub, Seeks Clarity On Selection Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 23:54 IST Manika Batra questions her exclusion from the Asian Games 2026 squad, seeks transparent explanation from TTFI, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association India's table tennis star Manika Batra India’s table tennis star Manika Batra on Thursday raised concerns about “the consistency of application of selection norms" after she was left out of the Asian Games squad for not fulfilling the criteria set by the TTFI. The 31-year-old was excluded because she skipped domestic events and therefore does not appear in the Table Tennis Federation of India rankings. She has been named among the reserves alongside Swastika Ghosh. “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. “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." She said she has never asked for special treatment in almost two decades of representing India, but expects that the same rules and standards be applied consistently to every athlete. Manika has sought the intervention of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the top brass of the Indian Olympic Association in the matter. She has also asked for a detailed explanation for her non-selection.

“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 Hon’ble 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." The 20th Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The table tennis events are scheduled between September 20 and 28. Manika, who has multiple Commonwealth Games medals and a historic mixed doubles bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, is currently India’s second highest-ranked female player at 51, behind Sreeja Akula, who is 45th in the latest ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) rankings. Earlier in the day, the TTFI stated that it picks players on the basis of international and national rankings. “The selection process ensured that India’s highest-ranked and most consistent performers earned the opportunity to represent the country at Asia’s biggest multi-sport event," said TTFI. According to the selection policy drafted in 2023, 50 percent weightage is given to national rankings, 40 percent to world rankings and 10 percent is left to the discretion of the selection committee. “As per publicly reported information, the selection framework is understood to be based on a combination of World Ranking, 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.