Manika Batra – The Hindu

India’s leading women’s paddler Manika Batra has escalated her standoff with the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), hinting at legal action if she is not provided a “clear and factual explanation” for her omission from the Asian Games squad.

“If I do not receive satisfactory answers regarding the basis of this decision, I will be left with no option but to explore all remedies available to me, including legal recourse through my legal team,” Manika said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Not because I want a place in the team. Not because I want special treatment. But because I believe every athlete deserves transparency, consistency, and accountability in the selection process. All I am asking for today is a fair and honest explanation. And just to be absolutely clear once again — I am asking questions, not special consideration.”

The World No. 51, omitted from the five-member women’s squad after failing to satisfy the selection criteria, has maintained that her battle is against the process rather than the outcome. Despite seeking a formal explanation from the TTFI last week, she is yet to receive a response from the federation.

Manika also questioned the voting process, as reported by The Hindu, that determined the final berth.

“If that is true, then I believe athletes have a right to know who made those decisions and on what basis. What were the reasons? Were they documented? Were they communicated? Were conflict of interests disclosed?” Manika asked.

“Can any system that relies on voting be completely free from bias, personal opinions, or past differences? If so, what safeguards exist to ensure fairness and accountability?”

The selection committee, chaired by TTFI president Meghna Ahlawat, includes Dronacharya Award recipient Sandeep Gupta, Manika’s childhood coach, with whom she parted ways in 2019.

Manika also backed Ayhika Mukherjee, who partnered Sutirtha Mukherjee to India’s historic women’s doubles bronze at the 2022 Asian Games but missed out this time.

“I am also surprised to see players with proven records for India being left out. Athletes who have delivered medals and results for the country deserve to know how such decisions were reached,” she said.

Addressing criticism over skipping domestic tournaments for the last two seasons, Manika added: “Athletes competing regularly on the international circuit often have to manage an intense global calendar, recovery periods, travel, visa processing and preparation for major events. Domestic participation cannot be viewed in isolation from international commitments.”