Manika Batra’s Asian Games Hopes Fade as Selection Process Upheld
Manika Batra’s aspirations to be part of India’s Asian Games table tennis team took a hit after the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) stood by its selection method. On Wednesday, the federation clarified that Batra’s exclusion from the squad followed the established criteria.
In response to her inquiries about why she wasn’t selected, TTFI explained that while her application was considered, the final squad was chosen according to the federation’s policies. They emphasized that the decision was based on a thorough evaluation of players’ performances and the needs of the team, rather than any single factor.
TTFI’s selection criteria assign 50% weight to national rankings, 40% to international rankings, and provide selectors with a 10% discretionary power.
Why Was Manika Batra Not Selected?
Currently ranked World No. 51, Batra missed out primarily because she did not participate in domestic tournaments, leaving her without a national ranking for the selection process. An automatic spot would have been secured if she had been among the top 50 in the ITTF rankings when the squad was finalized on June 9.
A source from TTFI mentioned that the final decision considered national performances, international results, player comparisons, team dynamics, medal potential, and overall strategy.
The source reassured that Batra’s application was fairly reviewed, noting that the decision followed established policies and adhered to deadlines set by the Indian Olympic Association.
In the selection process, the first four female athletes were chosen by unanimous agreement, while voting determined the fifth and final position. Sutirtha Mukherjee secured that spot with eight votes, placing Manika among the reserve players, alongside Swastika Ghosh.
This clarification comes shortly after Batra publicly questioned the selection’s transparency and hinted that she might consider legal action if her concerns weren’t addressed satisfactorily.
All final entries for the Asian Games needed to be submitted to the Indian Olympic Association by June 10.
