NEW DELHI: India rower Manika Batra warned the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). legal procedure if she is not given a “factual explanation” for what she alleges was an arbitrary decision to drop her from India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games.The two-time Olympian made her intentions known on Wednesday, saying she was not seeking selection through special consideration, but was demanding transparency in the process that caused her absence. Convincing her appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, she called on them to intervene. According to her, there must be “transparency, consistency and accountability in the selection process.”After failing to meet the TTFI selection standards, which required participation in national level competitions, the rower was excluded from the Asian Games squad.Stating that she may go to court if her concerns are not resolved, Manika added: “I sincerely hope that a clear and factual explanation has been provided. However, if I do not receive satisfactory answers regarding the basis of this decision, I will have no choice but to explore all legal remedies available to me, including remedies through my legal team.”Manika denied speculation about her intention to seek preferential treatment.“Over the past few days, I’ve seen a lot of people saying that I’m asking for a spot on the Asian Games team or that I’m asking for special consideration. Let me make that clear. I’m not asking to be selected. I’m not asking for anyone to reverse the decision. I’m asking for answers,” she asserted in her latest statement.“That is why I have asked the Honorable Prime Minister and the Honorable Sports Minister to look into this matter. Not because I want a place in the team. Not because I want special treatment.”
