The Sports Ministry banned the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to repeated governance-related issues, lack of athlete welfare and concerns surrounding a transparent athlete selection process, sources have told Times Now. According to the sources, institutional shortcomings have a negative impact on the federation’s management and might affect athletes and the national interest of table tennis. This comes after Times Now last month reported that the ministry sent the TTFI a show-cause notice due to issues with its operations and the controversy surrounding star paddler Manika Batra’s selection for the 2026 Asian Games.

Sources told Times Now that the Sports Ministry’s decision to suspend the TTFI was motivated by concerns about the federation’s ongoing governance failures. The institutional flaws were thought to be severe enough to negatively impact the administration’s operations and perhaps harm athletes and the nation’s table tennis industry as a whole.

One of the reasons for the action against the federation is the absence of sufficient athlete welfare systems. The government is observing how the federation’s actions may impact athletes and their interests, raising issues that go beyond administrative operations.

Another reason for the suspension was the transparency of the athlete selection process. In light of the recent controversy surrounding India’s Asian Games selection procedure and the grievances voiced by star paddler Manika Batra, this takes on additional relevance.

This comes after Manika Batra publicly questioned the 2026 Asian Games selection process, prompting the Sports Ministry to intervene. She had expressed worries about whether the necessary requirements had been met, called the process unfair, and asked the ministry to step in.

IOA has been asked by the Sports Ministry to approach the IOC and the International Federation to ensure a framework that helps to run the sport in the country. An ad hoc body is an interim option, as was done when the Wrestling Federation was suspended but this time the sports ministry wants solutions that are long-term