TABLE TENNIS | Domestic calendar in disarray after ad-hoc committee says TTFI-backed tournament is not recognised
The Indian Olympic Association-appointed ad-hoc committee has declared that tournaments organized by the suspended Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) will not be recognized for national rankings. This decision has created significant uncertainty for players scheduled to compete in the upcoming Panchkula tournament.
Why it matters
The administrative conflict between governing bodies directly impacts the careers and financial investments of professional athletes, highlighting the instability in Indian sports governance.
The fate of the National Ranking Table Tennis tournament in Panchkula hangs in the balance after the Indian Olympic Association-appointed ad-hoc committee made it clear that tournaments conducted by the suspended Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) will not be recognised as ranking events until an official domestic calendar is finalised.
In letters addressed to TTFI president Meghna Ahlawat on September 28 and 29, committee chairperson Indu Puri said the IOA-appointed body would prepare the domestic calendar in consultation with State associations and technical officials. Until then, “any tournaments held forthwith by TTFI shall not be considered as ranking tournaments.”
The clarification, coming barely a week before the Panchkula tournament is scheduled to begin on October 6 on Ahlawat’s home turf, has left several leading paddlers reconsidering their participation.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in