TT’s ad-hoc committee strips national tournaments of ranking points until ‘calendar’ is finalised
World No 66 Ankur Bhattacharjee said the decision affects the hard work put in by the players. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
World No 66 Ankur Bhattacharjee said the decision affects the hard work put in by the players. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
The ad-hoc committee overseeing table tennis administration in India has stripped all national ranking tournaments of their official ranking points ahead of the Panchkula edition beginning on October 6, causing confusion and anxiety among players.
Last month, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India, leading to the appointment of the ad-hoc committee, with Arjuna Award winner Indu Puri as the chairperson.
The committee, which also includes legal expert Namrata Chatterjee and ITTF governance manager Andres Constantin, was appointed by the Indian Olympic Association on the ministry’s direction.
The next National Ranking TT tournament will be held in Panchkula from October 6-13, with the top 16 players in each category from across the country set to feature, including Manika Batra.
World No 66 Ankur Bhattacharjee said the decision affects the hard work put in by the players.
“We train day in and day out to perform at these national rankings. Taking away ranking points right before the tournament makes all our hard work, intense preparation, and severe financial investments meaningless. It feels like our careers are being toyed with,” Bhattacharya said in a release.
However, ad-hoc committee chairperson Puri said the committee was focused on the players.
“We are only an ad-hoc panel. We are here for the players. We will ensure that players don’t suffer,” she said.
In an email to the suspended TTFI regarding the documentation of the handover, the committee conveyed that no ranking points would be awarded to events until an official calendar is finalised. It also sought to allay players’ concerns.
“The ad-hoc committee’s primary mandate is to ensure that table tennis operations, especially those directly impacting athletes, continue without disruption,” the ad-hoc body said in the email.
“There is already significant confusion among players regarding the status of domestic tournaments. To protect their interests and safeguard their careers, the calendar for upcoming domestic tournaments shall be prepared in consultation with state associations and technical officials.
“Please be advised that until such time as this official calendar is finalized, any tournaments held forthwith by TTFI shall not be considered as Ranking tournaments,” the committee said in the email sent on September 28.
Both international and national ranking points are part of the selection criteria for the Indian team. Manika was not included in the Asian Games squad as she did not have national ranking points. She is ranked 53rd in the world.
Published on Oct 01, 2026
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