TTFI acknowledges suspension of recognition, stresses autonomy

The Table Tennis Federation of India has acknowledged the Sports Ministry’s suspension of its recognition and proposed interim administration, while stressing the autonomy of National Sports Federations. TTFI President Meghna Ahlawat said the federation remains committed to cooperation and good governance.

Hyderabad: The Table Tennis Federation of India (“TTFI”), the National Sports Federation recognised for the promotion and development of table tennis in the country, respectfully acknowledges the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports order whereby the recognition granted to TTFI as a National Sports Federation has been suspended with immediate effect, and the Indian Olympic Association (“IOA”) has been requested to constitute, in consultation with the International Table Tennis Federation (“ITTF”), an interim Ad-Hoc Committee to administer the affairs of the Federation, according to TTFI President Meghna Ahlawat.

“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 TTFI chief said.

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“The TTFI therefore 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,” It is informed.

“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 is mentioned in the TTFI release.

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 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, the TTFI pointed out.

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 is informed, Meghna Ahlawat said.

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.