Indian table tennis player, Manika Batra is once again back in the limelight because of her omission from India’s contingent for the 2026 Asian Games. With the debate surrounding the selection continuing, Manika Batra has come forward to give her stand. She claims that she does not seek any preferential treatment and she has never demanded a seat in the team. She simply seeks an explanation for being disqualified.

Manika Batra has raised some questions regarding the process of selection that lacks transparency and decisions that have no basis at all. She has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s help in this matter. In addition to this, she has said that she might resort to legal action if she doesn’t receive any satisfactory answers.

In her statement, Manika said, "For the past two decades, I have had the opportunity to represent India at the highest level. Throughout my career, I have accepted all circumstances-wins, losses, selection, and non-selection. It is part of the sport. However, what is difficult to accept is the lack of transparency and the arbitrariness."

She further added, "I want to clarify that I am not demanding selection, nor am I asking anyone to reverse the decision. I am simply seeking answers. I was not informed why I was not selected. If I do not receive a satisfactory answer regarding the basis of this decision, I will have no choice but to explore legal options."

Manika, currently ranked 51st globally, questioned the criteria used to evaluate the players. She noted that table tennis rankings fluctuate weekly; therefore, it should be clear whether the selection was based on performance over a single week, two months, six months, or the entire year.

Manika believes that selection criteria should consider not just rankings, but also recent performance and current form. She claimed that despite defeating several strong Asian and Chinese players this season, she was left out of the team.

Manika also questioned reports claiming that the final selection was made through voting. She stated that if this was the case, players have the right to know who made the decision and on what grounds.

She said, "If there was a vote against me, what were the reasons behind it? Was the decision based on player performance or personal opinion? Answers to these questions must be provided transparently."

Citing the example of Ayhika Mukherjee-who won a historic women's doubles bronze medal for India at the Hangzhou Asian Games-Manika argued that athletes who win medals for the country should not be overlooked during the selection process. According to her, such athletes have every right to know the basis on which selection decisions are made.

Manika clarified that her fight is not solely about her own selection. She maintains that she is advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness in Indian sports so that no athlete has to face such uncertainty in the future.

Manika Batra, who has represented India for nearly two decades, believes that athletes have no issue accepting decisions provided the rationale behind them is clearly explained. All eyes are now on the selectors and sports administrators to see what their next move will be.