Ad-hoc committee says TTFI-run events not ranking tournaments, casting doubt over Panchkula National Ranking meet
An Indian Olympic Association-appointed ad-hoc committee has told the Table Tennis Federation of India in letters dated September 28 and 29 that tournaments organised by the suspended federation will not be recognised as national ranking events, placing the National Ranking tournament in Panchkula in doubt.
The letters, addressed to TTFI president Meghna Ahlawat and signed by committee chairperson Indu Puri, state the IOA-appointed body will prepare an official domestic calendar in consultation with State associations and technical officials. Puri wrote that “any tournaments held forthwith by TTFI shall not be considered as ranking tournaments.” The clarification arrived barely a week before the Panchkula event, which is scheduled to begin on October 6 on Ahlawat’s home turf.
The development has prompted leading players to rethink participation after the event drew a strong entry list, including Manika Batra and Asian Games bronze medallists Manush Shah and Diya Chitale. With the tournament unable to contribute to domestic rankings unless its status is restored, several players, coaches and parents are understood to be assessing whether travelling to Panchkula is justified.
Organisers and stakeholders say the event could be reduced to a prize-money tournament if its ranking status is not reinstated, although its eventual classification could be revisited depending on the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The ad-hoc committee’s stance follows the Sports Ministry’s suspension of recognition for the TTFI on August 12; the committee has maintained the federation no longer has the authority to discharge public functions such as team selection, international representation and the conduct of official national ranking tournaments. The panel has also requested TTFI’s constitutional, financial and selection records to facilitate international entries and the transition of administrative responsibilities.
Many players had already booked travel and accommodation, a cost that officials say is substantial given the tournament’s wide age range — from nine- and 10-year-olds in junior categories to established senior professionals. “The administrative differences will be settled in due course in courts, but it’s extremely unfair to put players’ future in jeopardy,” said Haryana Table Tennis Association secretary MP Singh. HTTA president Dushyant Chautala wrote to the Sports Ministry, the IOA and other stakeholders warning of “severe detriment to India’s elite and rising talent, mass financial and logistical ruin, violation of express governing mandates and catastrophic impact on the Olympic and international cycle” and requested “immediate restoration” as an official ranking event. Coach Jay Modak said: “We coaches sincerely request all the administrators to think about promising and established players who have a lot at stake and address the players-related issues at the earliest.” Singh estimated combined financial losses to players, coaches and parents at around ₹8 crore if the tournament is disrupted.
TTFI affiliates have sought legal recourse, challenging the appointment of the Committee of Administrators and its procedure in various High Courts.
The Panchkula National Ranking tournament remains due to start on October 6; its recognition as a ranking event is contingent on the ad-hoc committee finalising the domestic calendar and on the outcomes of the legal challenges now before the High Courts.