The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has firmly denied claims from a media report that it failed to submit the names of players for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. AITA insists that it has clearly communicated its position to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
In a statement released on Tuesday, AITA noted that it had contacted IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer on July 3, requesting a prompt review of the exclusion of several players, including Manas Dhamne, Ankita Raina, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Prarthana Thombare. The association emphasized that it aimed to include these athletes because they had been chosen through the AITA’s selection process.
This controversy has arisen just before the Asian Games, which will take place from September 19 to October 4. The Sports Ministry has come forward to defend its selection criteria.
### AITA CLARIFIES PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
AITA stated that its communication on July 3 was intended to ensure that India sends its “strongest possible tennis team,” thus enhancing the nation’s chances of winning medals.
The AITA urged the IOA to quickly review the exclusion of the specified players, re-evaluate the tennis entries for the event, and approve their inclusion in the team for a better shot at medals.
The association’s statement directly disputes a report that claimed, based on a source from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), that the five excluded players were not part of the long list submitted by AITA. AITA maintained that it has the necessary documentation showing it communicated the players’ names and formally requested their inclusion.
It classified any claims that it did not recommend these players as “factually incorrect,” citing its documentation from July 3 as evidence.
The situation has drawn attention given the impressive credentials of the players involved. Sahaja Yamalapalli holds the title of India’s highest-ranked women’s singles player, while Vaishnavi Adkar is among the top players in the country. Moreover, Manas Dhamne has reached a Challenger final, Vaidehee Chaudhari is a two-time national champion, and Prarthana Thombare has previously won a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
### AITA URGES INCLUSION OF STRONGEST TEAM
The Sports Ministry has maintained that its selection criteria indicate that singles players need to have a ranking within the top six in Asia, while doubles players must be in the top eight over a 12-month period.
Former Indian player Rohan Bopanna has also spoke out about the selection process, suggesting that athletes should be allowed to demonstrate their abilities in major tournaments.
AITA has stressed that all players chosen by its selection committee should be part of the Indian tennis squad for the Asian Games. The association believes that excluding any player who could contribute to India’s medal chances is unjustified.
In its statement, AITA expressed that its July 3 representation was made with the broader interest of Indian tennis and sports in mind. The goal is to put forth the strongest potential team, ensuring that every legitimate opportunity for medals is maintained.
Overall, AITA aims to clarify its side of the story in this ongoing selection debate, vigorously asserting that it did, in fact, recommend the players in question.
