The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has strongly refuted reports suggesting that it failed to submit player names for the 2026 Asian Games. AITA insists that it has officially communicated its stance to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
On Tuesday, AITA released a statement clarifying that on July 3, it contacted IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer, urging a review of the decision that excluded players Manas Dhamne, Ankita Raina, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Prarthana Thombare. The federation emphasized that it recommended players who were chosen through its proper selection process.
This issue arises as anticipation builds for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which are set to take place from September 19 to October 4. The Sports Ministry has defended its player selection criteria amidst the controversy.
AITA’s statement stressed that its July 3 request aimed to ensure that India sends its “strongest possible tennis team” to maximize the chances of winning medals.
The federation pointed out that it requested the IOA to “urgently review the exclusion of the mentioned players, reassess the entries based on specific events, and approve their inclusion” to enhance India’s chances for medals.
AITA’s response challenges claims made by a source from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which suggested that the five excluded players were not part of AITA’s submitted long list.
However, AITA maintains that it has provided documentation to show it communicated the names of the players and requested they be included in the Indian team.
The association labeled any claim that it did not submit players’ names as “factually incorrect,” highlighting that its written request to the IOA from July 3 contradicts those assertions.
This matter has garnered attention due to the credentials of the players involved. Sahaja Yamalapalli stands as India’s top-ranked women’s singles player, while Vaishnavi Adkar is another top competitor. Manas Dhamne has reached a Challenger final, Vaidehee Chaudhari is a two-time national champion, and Prarthana Thombare is a former bronze medalist at the Asian Games.
The Sports Ministry has stated that its selection criteria stipulate that singles players must rank among the top six in Asia and doubles players need to be within the top eight based on a 12-month evaluation.
Former Indian player Rohan Bopanna has criticized the selection approach, saying players should be given chances to showcase their talents at high-level events.
In contrast, AITA has reiterated that “all players chosen by the AITA selection committee should be included in the Indian tennis squad for the Asian Games,” asserting that no player should be left out when their inclusion presents a legitimate chance for India to win medals.
AITA mentioned that its July 3 communication was made in the “larger interest of Indian tennis and sport,” aiming to ensure India fields its best team and preserves every legitimate opportunity for medals.
This statement adds another dimension to the ongoing selection debate, with AITA firmly asserting its side of the story and refuting claims that it neglected to recommend the players in question.
