Manika Batra Dropped from Asian Games 2026 Squad, Seeks PM Modi’s Intervention
Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has been excluded from the national squad for the 2026 Asian Games, prompting her to allege discrimination and seek intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) attributed the decision to Batra’s absence from domestic competitions.
Why was Manika Batra left out of the Asian Games squad?
The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) did not include Batra in the main squad for the 2026 Asian Games, placing the 31-year-old athlete on the reserve list alongside Swastika Ghosh. According to the federation, the primary reason for her exclusion is her absence from domestic competitions, which means she does not hold a TTFI ranking.
Sreeja Akula has been selected for the team in Batra’s place. Despite the domestic ranking issue, Batra maintains a world ranking of 51st according to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
What are the allegations against the selection process?
Batra took to X to tag Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), requesting their intervention to ensure transparency. She described her exclusion as “very disappointing” and stated that no concrete reason was provided for the decision.
The athlete questioned the consistency of the selection criteria, asking why the standards and rules used in previous Asian Games selections were applied differently in her case. Batra alleged that she has been treated differently despite the rules remaining the same.
How does the TTFI selection policy work?
The TTFI selection system utilizes a weighted formula based on a 2023 policy. National rankings account for 50 percent of the weightage, while world rankings account for 40 percent. The remaining 10 percent is determined by the selection committee’s decision.
The TTFI defended its process, stating that the system ensures India is represented by players who are the highest ranked and have demonstrated consistent performance. This structure explains why Batra’s lack of a national ranking outweighed her 51st-place world ranking.
What may happen next?
The situation could lead to a formal review of the selection process if the Prime Minister, Sports Minister, or the IOA decide to intervene as requested. A possible next step may involve the TTFI providing further clarity on the specific application of the 2023 policy to Batra’s case.
The 20th Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Whether Batra moves from the reserve list to the main squad remains dependent on potential appeals or federation adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Manika Batra not selected for the 2026 Asian Games?
According to the TTFI, she was not selected because she did not participate in domestic competitions, leaving her without a national ranking.
Who was chosen instead of Manika Batra?
The Table Tennis Federation of India included Sreeja Akula in the team instead of Batra.
What is the weightage of the TTFI selection policy?
Based on the 2023 policy, 50% weightage is given to national rankings, 40% to world rankings, and 10% to the selection committee’s decision.
Do you believe international rankings should carry more weight than domestic participation for major tournament selections?