The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has suspended its recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to governance deficiencies. This marks the second suspension for the TTFI in four years. The ministry has instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport until a proper governance structure is re-established within the TTFI.
The ministry’s order highlighted the TTFI’s failure to conduct administrative elections on schedule as a significant reason for the suspension. This decision follows an “unsatisfactory response” from the TTFI to a show cause notice issued earlier in the year regarding these issues.
Governance and Athlete Welfare Concerns
The TTFI, currently led by Meghna Ahlawat, has faced internal turmoil for several months. Ahlawat, who became the first woman President of the federation in December 2022, is the wife of Haryana MLA Dushyant Chautala. The federation had previously suspended its Secretary General, former player Kamlesh Mehta, in January, citing alleged financial irregularities. Mehta’s suspension was later quashed by the Delhi High Court.
Athlete welfare was another key concern cited by the ministry. The order noted the TTFI’s failure in its responsibility towards athletes, pointing to the delay in conducting the National Championships in 2025 as an example. Additionally, star paddler Manika Batra was left out of the 2026 Asian Games squad, being named only as a reserve, due to a lack of requisite domestic game time. Batra publicly criticised this decision, alleging an ambiguous and unfair selection process and sought intervention from the Sports Ministry.
The ministry’s order stated that the TTFI has repeatedly disregarded directions and guidelines issued to it. It further accused the federation of failing to adhere to the principles of accountability and democratic functioning expected of a National Sports Federation.
Previous Suspension and Future Actions
This is not the first time the TTFI has faced suspension. In February 2022, the Delhi High Court suspended the federation due to discrepancies in its player selection process. That suspension also stemmed from a petition filed by Manika Batra, who challenged the selection policy after her exclusion from the Asian Championships that year. The Delhi High Court, at that time, expressed its dismay at the “sorry state of affairs” within the TTFI and ordered the appointment of an administrator. The federation was reinstated in December 2022 after fresh elections were held.
For the TTFI to be restored this time, it must conduct formal democratic elections and elect a new set of executive office bearers. The federation is also required to align its governance structure with the National Sports Development Code of India. This includes implementing a tenure limit of four years for the elected administration and ensuring the consecutive conduct of fresh elections at the end of each tenure. The IOA, in consultation with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), will oversee the creation of an internal regulatory mechanism, including the formation of an ad-hoc committee, until a properly constituted governance structure is restored within the TTFI.
The TTFI is due to hold its elections this year, but there has been no announcement regarding the commencement of the process.
Source: theprint.in
