# TTFI suspension leaves Indian table tennis in crisis ahead of Asian Games

2026-08-13T18:03:07+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Sports Ministry's suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has thrown the reappointment of foreign coach Massimo Costantini and the Asian Games preparation into disarray. Costantini, who was with Indian players in Sweden for the Europe Smash, has been asked to return to Italy. The ad-hoc committee, to be formed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will now handle the federation's affairs. The ministry cited governance lapses, delayed elections, and selection issues. The controversy deepened after Manika Batra questioned her exclusion from the Asian Games squad. Vasanth Bharadwaj, who helped devise TTFI's selection criteria, told Sportstar that the elected dispensation diluted the criteria for seniors, reversing recommended weightages for domestic and international performances.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/ttfi-suspension-leaves-costantini-and-asiad-prep-in-limbo-101786638537021.html>
- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/table-tennis/ttfi-suspension-controversy-manika-batra-selection-vasanth-bharadwaj/article71344684.ece>

Tags: Asian Games preparation, Indian table tennis, Manika Batra, Massimo Costantini, Sports Ministry, TTFI suspension
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