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TTFI urges Sports Ministry to reconsider its suspension, citing IOC’s Olympic Charter for autonomy and freedom from third-party interference.
TTFI’s failure to hold elections on time was among the reasons for the suspension. (AFP Photo)
The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has urged the Sports Ministry to put its decision to suspend the national governing body on hold, arguing that its autonomy under the Olympic Charter must be protected and its administration kept free from third-party interference.
The federation also asked the ministry to reconsider the matter afresh while keeping its August 12 order in abeyance.
The Sports ministry on Wednesday had withdrawn the recognition of TTFI and directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute an ad-hoc committee to oversee the sport, citing governance shortcomings.
It said the federation’s failure to conduct elections within the stipulated timeframe was among the reasons for the action, following what it described as an “unsatisfactory response” to a show-cause notice issued earlier this year.
In a statement issued by its president Meghna Ahlawat, the TTFI said the ministry should consider the implications of replacing or intervening in the federation’s administration.
“TTFI respectfully seeks the Ministry’s kind consideration of the implications that any external or interim administrative arrangement may have in this regard, including the principles of autonomy recognised under Rules 27 and 28 of the Olympic Charter,” TTFI said in a statement written by Meghna.
The federation maintained that both the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) safeguard the independence of national sports bodies.
“The Olympic Charter and the Statutes of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) recognise and expressly protect the autonomy of National Sports Federations and require their governance and administration to remain free from any third-party interference,” it added.
While expressing its respect for the ministry and acknowledging its role, the TTFI said it was a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and that its administration was governed by its own Constitution and General Body, alongside established principles of sporting autonomy and good governance.
“TTFI is an autonomous society duly registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and is governed by its Constitution and General Body. The Federation holds the Ministry in the highest regard and recognises its role.
“At the same time, TTFI respectfully submits that the governance and administration of an autonomous National Sports Federation are guided by its Constitution and the applicable principles of sporting autonomy and good governance,” the statement said.
Ahlawat has headed the federation since December 2022. She is the wife of Haryana MLA Dushyant Chautala, whose father, Ajay Singh Chautala, is a former TTFI president.
The federation has faced prolonged internal turmoil. In January, it suspended secretary general and former player Kamlesh Mehta over alleged financial irregularities.
Mehta subsequently challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court, which later quashed his suspension.
The TTFI also disputed the grounds cited in the ministry’s suspension order, saying the issues raised had either already been resolved before the show-cause notice was issued in June or required additional factual clarification.
The federation said it submitted its detailed response to the ministry on July 7, along with minutes, resolutions and audited records.
“TTFI respectfully submits that the matters referred to in the Order had, in the Federation’s understanding, either been addressed prior to the issuance of the Show Cause Notice dated 30.06.2026 or required further factual clarification.
“The position in this regard was duly placed before the Ministry through TTFI’s detailed reply dated 07.07.2026, supported by contemporaneous minutes, resolutions and audited records,” it said.
“TTFI submits that each of the deficiencies cited in the impugned Order was either factually incorrect or had already been remedied well before the Show Cause Notice dated 30.06.2026 was issued, as was placed on record in the Federation’s detailed reply dated 07.07.2026.”
The federation also pointed to India’s recent performances in international table tennis as evidence that it has continued to function effectively. It highlighted the presence of five Indian women and three Indian men in the ITTF world Top-100/Top-50 respectively, medal-winning performances at the 2022 Asian Games and the 2026 Asian Youth Championships, as well as its junior programme.
“The performance of India’s table tennis players — with five Indian women and three Indian men now ranked in the ITTF world Top-100/Top-50 respectively, medal-winning performances at the (2022) Asian Games and the Asian Youth Championships, 2026, and a robust junior pipeline — stands as clear testimony that the Federation has continued to function effectively in the interest of its athletes throughout the period in question.
“TTFI remains in close and constructive engagement with the Ministry and is fully committed to addressing any concerns that may be brought to its attention. The Federation remains committed to working with the Ministry in a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding,” it added.
The TTFI said it believes the concerns raised in the show-cause notice have either been resolved or adequately explained and formally requested that the ministry suspend the effect of its August 12 order while reconsidering the matter.
“TTFI believes that concerns referred to in the Show Cause Notice have either been duly addressed or appropriately clarified. The Federation therefore proposes to request the Ministry to kindly keep the Order dated 12.08.2026 in abeyance and to consider the matter afresh,” the statement read.
The federation concluded by reiterating its commitment to governance standards, transparency and accountability under the applicable national sports framework.
“TTFI reiterates its full commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 and the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and to the Ministry’s continued guidance,” it said.
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
August 13, 2026, 19:04 IST
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