New Delhi, June 24: Indian table tennis star Manika Batra is making headlines after being excluded from the 2026 Asian Games team. Following her removal, she raised questions about the selection process and appealed for intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Batra has responded to allegations suggesting she was seeking special treatment or inclusion in the team.
Batra clarified that she is not asking for any special privileges but is demanding transparency in the selection process. She described the decision to exclude her as arbitrary and has urged both Prime Minister Modi and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to step in. She warned that if she does not receive a satisfactory explanation, she may pursue legal action.
In a statement, Batra said, “For the past two decades, I have had the opportunity to represent India at the highest level. Throughout my career, I have accepted wins, losses, and the outcomes of selections. However, what is difficult to accept is the lack of transparency and arbitrary decisions.”
She added, “Recently, I have heard many people say that I want a place in the Asian Games team or am asking for special consideration. I want to clarify that I am not demanding selection nor asking anyone to change their decision. I am simply seeking answers. I have not been informed why I was not selected. If I do not receive a satisfactory explanation regarding this decision, I will have no choice but to consider legal options. This is not about wanting a spot on the team or special arrangements; it is about ensuring that every player receives transparency, consistency, and accountability in the selection process.”
Batra emphasized that she has represented India for nearly 20 years and only seeks a clear and honest response. She referenced her current world ranking, questioning why she was deemed ineligible when she stands at 51st, just outside the top 50.
She pointed out that the world rankings in table tennis fluctuate weekly and are based on a points system. Therefore, it should be clear on what basis players are evaluated. She questioned, “Was the selection based on rankings from the last 12 months, six months, two months, or just one week? If a player remains around the top 50 for an extended period and then drops to 51 for a week, does that suddenly make them ineligible for selection?”
Batra asserted that the selection process should consider not only rankings but also the player’s recent performance and current form. She claimed her performance this season has been strong, having defeated several top Asian and formidable Chinese players. She noted that the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry also values current form in player selections for the Asian Games.
She cited Ayhika Mukherjee, who won a historic women’s doubles bronze medal for India at the Hangzhou Asian Games, stating that players who bring medals to the country should not be overlooked in the selection process. According to her, such players have the right to know the basis on which selection decisions are made.
Batra also expressed concern over reports suggesting that the final selection was based on voting. She questioned whether players have the right to know who made the decisions and why. She insisted that the selection process must be entirely transparent and that any potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed.
She raised doubts about whether a voting-based system can be entirely fair or if it could be influenced by personal opinions and biases. Batra also inquired about how many members of the selection committee have represented India internationally and what experience they possess. She stated, “If there was voting against me, what were the reasons? Was the decision based on players’ performances or personal opinions? These questions should be answered transparently.”
Batra emphasized that her concern extends beyond her own selection to ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the entire selection process. She reiterated that she has represented India for nearly 20 years and is not reacting emotionally to a single decision but is demanding clarity in the process. She warned that if she does not receive satisfactory answers regarding the reasons behind the decision, she will consider legal options.
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