Manika Batra challenges 'Arbitrary' selection process after Asian Games snub

NEW DELHI: Table tennis star Manika Batra on Wednesday intensified her protest against her exclusion from the Asian Games squad, threatening legal action if the national federation fails to provide a “clear and factual explanation” for the decision.

The three-time Olympian clarified that she is not seeking inclusion in the team or “special treatment” but wants answers on what she termed an “arbitrary” selection process.“Let me state this clearly.

I am not asking to be selected.

I am not asking anyone to overturn the decision.

I am asking for answers,” Manika said.The Commonwealth Games gold medallist sought clarity on the ranking timeline considered by the selectors and whether current form was factored into the evaluation process.

She also raised concerns over the reported voting-based selection process, asking whether the reasons for the decisions were documented and if conflicts of interest were disclosed.“If I do not receive satisfactory answers regarding the basis of this decision, I will be left with no option but to explore all remedies available to me, including legal recourse,” she warned.TTFI sources, however, indicated that the selected names are unlikely to be revisited, with the final list already shared with the Indian Olympic Association and set to be forwarded to organisers.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.

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