The Sports Ministry on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) suspended the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) as the National Sports Federation for the sport with immediate effect, citing repeated non-compliance with government directions, governance deficiencies and concerns over athlete welfare and selection procedures.

In a five-page order, the Ministry said its decision followed a show-cause notice issued to TTFI on June 30 and the federation’s response on July 7, which it found inadequate. It said the continuing differences between TTFI’s president Meghna Ahlawat and secretary general Kamlesh Mehta had adversely affected institutional decision-making and undermined confidence in the federation’s governance.

During the suspension, TTFI will not be entitled to government financial assistance, official patronage or other benefits attached to NSF recognition.

However, the Ministry has sought to insulate athletes from the administrative turmoil. It has asked the Indian Olympic Association to consult the International Table Tennis Federation and constitute an interim mechanism, including an Ad Hoc Committee, to ensure continuity and uninterrupted participation of Indian paddlers until a compliant governance structure is restored.

Financial transparency was among the Ministry’s major concerns. It questioned the delay in adopting and uploading audited financial statements for 2023-24 and 2024-25. The 2023-24 accounts, although audited in September 2024, were placed before the General Body only in January 2026, while the 2024-25 accounts were not placed before the same AGM.

Selection procedures came under particular scrutiny. The Ministry said TTFI’s selection policies were inconsistent with the Ministry’s March 2025 policy and did not adequately address criteria for major events such as the Olympics and Asian Games. It also noted the absence of an effective mechanism for athletes to raise selection-related grievances.

The Ministry said the differences between the federation’s top office-bearers had gone beyond a personal disagreement, citing their impact on policy-making and the Delhi High Court’s observation about factions within TTFI.

The Ministry also flagged TTFI’s appointment of Mahinder Pal Singh as CEO in July 2024, which it said contravened government directives. It questioned the federation’s failure to fill the treasurer’s vacancy through the prescribed electoral process and its nomination of Executive Committee members instead of electing them.

Published - August 13, 2026 12:56 am IST