New Delhi: The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has appealed to the Union Sports Ministry to reconsider its decision suspending the federation’s recognition, arguing that the shortcomings cited in the order were either factually incorrect or had already been remedied before the show cause notice was issued.
In a statement issued by TTFI president Meghna Ahlawat, the federation requested that the ministry keep its August 12 suspension order in abeyance and review the matter afresh. The federation also stressed that its autonomy, as recognised under the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), must remain protected from third party interference.
The Sports Ministry had withdrawn TTFI’s recognition on Wednesday, citing governance lapses, including its failure to conduct elections within the prescribed timeline. It also directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to appoint an ad hoc committee to oversee the sport until further notice.
TTFI maintained that it is an autonomous body registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and that its administration is governed by its constitution and general body. The federation said it had submitted a detailed reply to the ministry on July 7, supported by meeting minutes, resolutions and audited records, explaining that the issues raised had either been resolved or required factual clarification.
The federation also highlighted India’s recent success on the international stage, pointing to the presence of five Indian women and three Indian men in the ITTF world rankings, medal winning performances at the 2022 Asian Games and the 2026 Asian Youth Championships, and a strong junior development programme.
TTFI said it remains committed to working constructively with the Sports Ministry and expressed confidence that a fresh review would recognise the corrective measures already undertaken while safeguarding the independence of India’s national table tennis governing body.
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