Manika Batra deeply disappointed by Asian Games snub, alleges lack of transparency

Asian Games 2026: Manika Batra has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention after being left out of India's Asian Games table tennis squad. Her appeal has sharpened questions over transparency and the uneven application of TTFI's selection rules.

In Short

• She missed out from the squad after skipping domestic events and falling outside TTFI rankings
• Despite the omission, she has been named among reserves with Swastika Ghosh
• Batra said no specific reason for her non-selection was formally communicated

India table tennis star Manika Batra has expressed deep disappointment after being left out of the national squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The experienced paddler has now appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Indian Olympic Association to intervene and ensure transparency in the selection process.

The surprise exclusion has prompted Batra to raise questions around selection criteria and consistency in the application of ranking-based norms by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Manika, who is currently India’s second-highest ranked women’s singles player, took to social media to voice her concerns over the decision and the lack of clarity provided to her.

“My non-selection for the Asian Games 2026 squad is deeply disheartening, with no specific reason communicated,” she wrote on X on Friday, June 19, one day after the snub.

“Questions arise on consistency, as different thresholds and considerations were applied in the previous selection cycle compared to my case. If the same rules are meant to apply as in the last Asian Games selection, then clarity is needed on how those rules have been interpreted this time,” she added.

The 20th Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, with India aiming to build on its recent multi-sport performances across disciplines.

SELECTION DEBATE OVER CRITERIA CONSISTENCY

Manika’s omission is reportedly linked to her absence from certain domestic ranking events, which has impacted her position in the TTFI national standings. Despite this, she remains part of the reserves list alongside Swastika Ghosh.

The TTFI selection system gives weightage to both international and national rankings, with additional discretionary inputs from the selection committee. According to the 2023 policy, 50 percent weightage is assigned to national rankings, 40 percent to world rankings, and 10 percent to selection committee discretion.

Manika, a multiple Commonwealth Games medallist and 2018 Asian Games bronze medallist in mixed doubles, is currently ranked 51 in the ITTF world rankings, with Sreeja Akula ahead of her at 45.

TTFI has defended its selection process, stating that only the most consistent and highest-ranked players were chosen for the squad.

“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,” the federation said on Thursday, June 18.

The controversy has now shifted focus to the transparency and consistency of selection policies, with questions being raised about how different criteria have been applied across selection cycles. Manika’s appeal to top government authorities highlights the growing friction between athlete expectations and federation-driven ranking systems, particularly in sports where qualification is heavily data-driven but still allows for discretionary judgment.

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