India's table tennis star Manika Batra on Thursday raised concerns regarding 'the consistency of application of selection norms' after she was dropped from the Asian Games squad for not meeting the criteria set by the TTFI.
Manika Batra was omitted from India's squad for the Asian Games. (PTI)
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The 31-year-old's exclusion was due to her absence from domestic events, because of which she does not feature in the Table Tennis Federation of India rankings. She is part of the reserves alongside Swastika Ghosh.
Manika has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya after missing out on India's squad for the Asian Games. The veteran paddler's exclusion came after she was left out of domestic events, which meant she was not included in the Table Tennis Federation of India rankings used for selection.
Batra, who remains one of India's biggest names in table tennis, has been placed among the reserves along with Swastika Ghosh. The selection decision has sparked disappointment, with the 31-year-old now seeking attention from the country's top sporting authorities over her omission from the squad.
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"I urge Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, our Sports Minister @mansukhmandviya ji and @WeAreTeamIndia to look into the matter," Batra captioned the letter on his social media account.
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"I urge Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, our Sports Minister @mansukhmandviya ji and @WeAreTeamIndia to look into the matter," Batra captioned the letter on his social media account.
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Batra questioned the selection process in her letter to the country's top sporting officials, expressing disappointment over her omission from the Asian Games squad. The Indian paddler raised concerns over the lack of clarity behind the decision and pointed towards inconsistencies in the criteria applied during selection.
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"My non-selection for the Asian Games 2026 squad is deeply disheartening, with no specific reason communicated. 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," Batra wrote in the letter.
“I have sought clarity on the process”
Batra concluded her appeal by seeking intervention from the country's top sporting authorities, requesting a review of the selection process and greater transparency in the criteria used for picking the Asian Games squad.
"I have sought clarity on the process and respectfully request the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Sports Minister and Indian Olympic Association to look into the matter and ensure transparency and fair application of selection norms," she concluded.
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Manika, a multiple Commonwealth Games medallist and the winner of India's historic mixed doubles bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, remains one of the country's leading table tennis players. She is currently ranked 51st among India's female paddlers in the latest ITTF rankings, behind Sreeja Akula at 45th.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
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Home/Sports/Others/Manika Batra writes to PM Narendra Modi, Sports Minister over Asian Games snub; challenges selection process
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