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Sports Ministry Suspends TTFI Recognition Over Governance Issues (Img: AI generated)
New Delhi: The Sports Ministry has suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), citing concerns over governance and administrative failures within the national sports body.
The ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to create an ad hoc committee in consultation with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to oversee the functioning of the sport until a proper governance structure is restored.
According to the ministry’s order, one of the major reasons behind the suspension was TTFI’s failure to conduct elections within the prescribed timeline.
The federation had earlier received a show-cause notice from the ministry, seeking an explanation over governance-related issues. However, officials said the response submitted by TTFI was not considered satisfactory.
The ministry stated that the federation failed to address concerns related to transparency, administration and athlete welfare.
Following the suspension, the ministry has asked the Indian Olympic Association to establish an internal regulatory mechanism for managing the sport.
The ad hoc committee will continue functioning until TTFI is able to restore a recognised governance framework in line with required sports administration norms.
The suspension comes amid a period of uncertainty within TTFI. The federation had earlier been involved in an internal dispute after Secretary General Kamlesh Mehta was suspended over allegations of financial irregularities.
Mehta challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court, which later overturned his suspension. The episode highlighted ongoing differences within the organisation.
TTFI had maintained that its decisions were aimed at improving transparency and protecting the interests of Indian table tennis.
The federation also faced criticism following star paddler Manika Batra’s public objections over her non-selection for India’s Asian Games squad.
Batra questioned the selection process and sought intervention from the Sports Ministry, alleging a lack of clarity and fairness in decision-making.
The ministry later reviewed the federation’s functioning and raised concerns over athlete welfare and delayed sporting events, including issues related to the organisation of national championships.
