Governance issues lead to suspension
Governance issues lead to suspension
The Sports Ministry has suspended its recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), citing governance deficiencies within the organization. This decision marks the second time in four years that the TTFI has faced suspension. The ministry has instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport in the interim.
One of the primary reasons for the suspension, as stated in the ministry’s order, was the TTFI’s failure to conduct its administrative elections on schedule. This action followed an “unsatisfactory response” from the TTFI to a show-cause notice issued earlier in the year regarding these issues.
The ministry emphasized that the TTFI had not adhered to the principles of accountability and democratic functioning expected of a National Sports Federation. It also noted that the TTFI had “repeatedly disregarded directions and guidelines” issued by the ministry.
Concerns over athlete welfare and past turmoil
The ministerial order also highlighted the TTFI’s failure in its responsibility towards athlete welfare. An example cited was the delay in conducting the National Championships in 2025. These concerns, particularly the delay in holding elections, prompted the ministry to issue the show-cause notice.
The TTFI has experienced a period of internal unrest over several months. In January, it suspended its Secretary General, former player Kamlesh Mehta, due to allegations of financial irregularities. Mehta subsequently challenged his suspension in the Delhi High Court, which later overturned the decision. The suspension was widely perceived as a result of an internal power struggle within the TTFI, though the federation maintained it was to ensure transparency and collective decision-making.
Further scrutiny arose when prominent paddler Manika Batra was excluded from the Asian Games squad. Batra publicly criticized the decision, attributing her omission to a lack of required domestic game time and alleging that the federation’s selection process was unclear and unfair. She sought intervention from the Sports Ministry regarding her non-selection.
The current president of the TTFI, Meghna Ahlawat, who assumed office in December 2022, has been at the helm during these turbulent times. Ahlawat is the first woman president of the federation and is married to Haryana MLA Dushyant Chautala, who is the son of former TTFI President Ajay Singh Chautala.
Path forward for the federation
The Sports Ministry’s order directs the IOA, in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), to establish an ad-hoc committee. This committee will manage the sport until a properly constituted governance structure is re-established within the TTFI. The ministry’s directive aims to create an internal regulatory mechanism to oversee the sport’s administration.
The TTFI was previously suspended in February 2022 by the Delhi High Court. That suspension was also linked to a petition from Manika Batra, who questioned the selection policy that led to her exclusion from the Asian Championships that year. At that time, the Delhi High Court expressed dismay at the “sorry state of affairs” within the TTFI and ordered the appointment of an administrator. The federation’s recognition was reinstated in December 2022 following new elections.
For the TTFI to regain its recognition, it will need to conduct formal democratic elections and elect a new set of executive office bearers. Additionally, the federation must align its governance structure with the National Sports Development Code of India, which includes a four-year tenure limit for elected administrations and the consistent holding of fresh elections at the conclusion of each tenure.
The TTFI is scheduled to hold its elections this year, though no specific timeline for the process has been announced.
Source: theprint.in
