NEW DELHI: Paddlers in India Manika Batra warned the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). legal action if not provided with a “factual explanation” for what he says is an arbitrary decision to exclude him from India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games.The two-time Olympian made his intentions known on Wednesday, saying he is not seeking selection for special consideration, but demanding transparency about the procedure that caused his omission. Reaffirming his appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urged them to intervene. According to her, there must be “transparency, consistency and accountability in the selection process.”After failing to meet the TTFI’s selection standards, which required participation in national-level events, the paddler was excluded from the Asian Games squad.Stating that she may go to court if her concerns are not addressed, Manika added: “I sincerely hope that a clear and factual explanation is provided. However, if I do not receive satisfactory answers regarding the basis of this decision, I will not be left with no option but to explore all the remedies available to me, including legal recourse through my legal team.”Manika has denied speculation surrounding her intention to seek preferential treatment.“In the last few days, I have seen many people saying that I am looking for a place in the Asian Games team or that I am asking for special consideration. Let me state this clearly. I have not asked to be selected. I have not asked anyone to cancel the decision. I am asking for answers,” he said in his last statement.“That’s why I asked the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Honorable Minister of Sports to look into this matter. Not because I want a place in the team. Not because I want special treatment.”
