'Decision Based On...'! TTFI Clarifies Shock Manika Batra Asiad Exclusion

Published 24 June 2026 · india

'Decision Based On...'! TTFI Clarifies Shock Manika Batra Asiad Exclusion Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 00:26 IST Manika had sought an explanation from

'Decision Based On...'! TTFI Clarifies Shock Manika Batra Asiad Exclusion Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 00:26 IST Manika had sought an explanation from the federation after being left out of the team for the continental event in Japan. Indian ace Manika Batra (X) The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has clarified the selection committee adhered strictly to the established selection policy in selecting India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games and explained Manika Batra’s exclusion from the contingent. Manika, a multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallist and an Asian Games medallist, had sought an explanation from the federation after being left out of the team for the continental event in Japan and raised the issue with TTFI last week. In its response on Wednesday, TTFI emphasized that the selection process was conducted entirely according to the existing criteria. Under the policy, 50 percent weightage is assigned to national rankings, 40 percent to international rankings, and the remaining 10 percent is reserved for the selectors’ discretion. Although Manika is currently ranked 51st in the latest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings, her absence from domestic tournaments meant that she did not hold a national ranking, which affected her overall evaluation.

Had she been ranked within the world’s top 50 at the time of team selection on June 9, she would have secured an automatic berth in the squad. According to a TTFI source, her omission was not the result of any single consideration. The source explained that the selection committee carried out a comprehensive assessment in line with the federation’s selection policy. This review included national and international performances, comparisons with other contenders, team balance, medal prospects, strategic suitability, and the opinions and votes of committee members. Following this process, the committee concluded that the chosen five-member women’s team represented the strongest possible combination for the 2026 Asian Games. Manika was subsequently named among the reserves, alongside Swastika Ghosh. The source also revealed that a vote was required to determine the fifth and final member of the women’s team, with Suthirtha Mukherjee ultimately securing the position. “The decision was based on the cumulative assessment undertaken by the selection committee in accordance with the Selection Policy, including performance evaluation, Global performance evaluation, Comparative assessment of competing players, Team composition considerations, Medal prospects and strategic suitability and the views expressed and votes cast by the Selection Committee members," the source said.