The Sports Ministry on Wednesday, August 12, suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), citing serious concerns over governance, transparency, accountability and democratic functioning within the national sports body. The ministry has also directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to put in place an interim arrangement to manage the sport during the suspension.

The action follows years of internal disputes within the federation, with differences between its two factions affecting its functioning. The ministry said TTFI had repeatedly failed to follow directions and guidelines issued by the government.

A Federation Divided From the Beginning

The problems within TTFI date back to the elections held around four years ago, when two factions emerged within the federation. The internal division continued after the election of president Meghna Ahlawat and secretary general Kamlesh Mehta.

The dispute eventually affected the federation’s day-to-day functioning. Regular Annual General Meetings were not held as required, while disagreements between the two sides also created difficulties in auditing and approving the federation’s accounts. The dispute later reached the courts, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the administration of Indian table tennis.

The Sports Ministry has now concluded that the federation’s functioning did not meet the governance standards expected of a recognised National Sports Federation.

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Ministry Flags Multiple Governance Lapses

Among the issues highlighted by the ministry was TTFI’s appointment of MP Singh as Chief Executive Officer through an Annual General Meeting held on July 19, 2024.

The ministry said the appointment was contrary to its February 28, 2022 directions concerning the appointment of CEOs in national sports federations. The government had previously raised concerns about outgoing office-bearers returning to federations as CEOs.

The ministry also noted that TTFI had not properly communicated Singh’s purported resignation. The federation’s response, according to the ministry’s order, did not adequately explain why the appointment had been made despite the government’s earlier directions.

Delay in Adoption of Audited Accounts

Financial governance was another major concern raised in the suspension order.

The ministry pointed to delays in the adoption of TTFI’s audited financial statements. The financial statements for the financial year 2023-24 were audited on September 30, 2024, but were placed before the General Body for adoption only on January 28, 2026.

The ministry considered the delay of more than 15 months unexplained and found TTFI’s explanation for not uploading its audited financial statements for 2023-24 and 2024-25 unsatisfactory.

The prolonged internal dispute contributed to the federation’s inability to conduct regular AGMs and complete several important administrative and financial processes.

Selection Policy Comes Under Scrutiny

The ministry also raised concerns about TTFI’s selection policy. It said the policies framed in May 2023 and July 2026 were not in line with the ministry’s instructions issued on March 5, 2025.

Those government instructions require national sports federations to maintain standard selection policies for events and camps, publish them on their websites and update them within the prescribed timelines. They also state that selection policies for major events such as the Olympics and Asian Games should be published well in advance.

According to the ministry, TTFI’s existing policy did not adequately address selection criteria for major multi-sport events. It also raised concerns that certain provisions could disadvantage athletes who regularly compete internationally and have stronger world rankings.

Interim Treasurer Appointment Also Questioned

The ministry further flagged the appointment of Raju Duggal as interim treasurer for an extended period.

Duggal was nominated after Nagendra P. Reddy resigned as treasurer in March 2024. The ministry said allowing an interim treasurer to continue in the position for more than 18 months without an election raised concerns about the federation’s effective functioning.

TTFI’s own website currently lists Duggal as interim treasurer and Meghna Ahlawat as president, while Kamlesh Mehta is listed as secretary general.

IOA to Oversee the Sport During Suspension

With recognition suspended, the Sports Ministry has asked the Indian Olympic Association to establish an arrangement to oversee table tennis administration so that the sport’s activities can continue.

The ministry’s decision also means the federation will not be eligible for government financial grants or official patronage during the suspension, according to the order.

The suspension marks a significant intervention in the administration of Indian table tennis and comes as the federation faces continued questions over its internal governance, financial procedures, selection policies and office-bearer appointments.

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