'I am mentally exhausted from this fight': Manika Batra issues final response to TTFI after Asian Games snub

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has issued her final response to the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) after the controversy over her omission from the 2026 Asian Games squad.

Manika said TTFI’s explanation that the selection process was conducted according to the rules does not match the documents available with her. She questioned the composition of the selection committee and said there are still unanswered questions about the process.

TTFI had stated that the entire selection procedure was carried out strictly as per the federation’s guidelines. However, Manika claimed that a nine-member Selection Committee decided the Asian Games team, while Article 24(C)(j) of the TTFI Constitution says no sub-committee can have more than seven members.

"TTFI, in its response to me, has stated that the entire selection process was conducted strictly in accordance with the rules. However, the documents available with me show that a 9-member Selection Committee decided the Asian Games team, while Article 24(C)(j) of the TTFI Constitution states that no Sub-Committee can have more than 7 members," Manika said.

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"A 9-member committee decided my fate, yet I am being told that the process was fully compliant with the Constitution and the rules. I will leave it to the people to decide, especially those who have repeatedly said that rules must be respected and followed equally by everyone," Manika added.

Manika says she is 'mentally exhausted'

The two-time Olympian also admitted that the ongoing issue has taken a mental toll on her and said she now wants to focus on representing India at the tournament she is currently playing. Manika also wished success to the selected Asian Games team, saying she hopes they make the country proud.

"I am mentally exhausted from this fight, and for now, I am putting my sword down. I have a bigger responsibility today. I am currently at a tournament representing India, and my complete focus will now be on the tournament ahead. To the selected team, I wish you nothing but success. Go and make India proud. Jai Hind," she said.

Earlier, Manika, who has won various medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, had rejected TTFI's claims that she was asking for special treatment or a place in the Asian Games squad after being placed in reserves. She said her demand was only for clarity and transparency regarding the selection process and later threatened with legal action.

According to TTFI, Manika was dropped from the Asian Games squad due to her lack of participation in domestic events and absence from the national rankings. As per the federation’s new selection policy, national rankings are given more importance than world rankings, and the final decision rests with the selection committee.