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Players' preparations for the Asian Games could be affected by TTFI's suspension.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 12, 2026, 22:17 IST

The suspension of TTFI could impact the training of players ahead of the Asian Games.

Players' preparations for the Asian Games could be affected by TTFI's suspension.

The recent suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) by the Sports Ministry has raised significant concerns among Indian table tennis players, who are now grappling with a series of pressing questions regarding the future of the sport in the country. As the TTFI prepares to transition to an ad-hoc management structure, the implications for athletes and upcoming events remain uncertain.

Impact on Asian Games Participation

Despite the administrative upheaval, it appears that India's participation in the upcoming Asian Games will not be directly jeopardized. However, the lack of a stable governing body could hinder the team's preparation efforts. An interim committee is anticipated to be formed to oversee table tennis activities leading up to the prestigious event. Players are left in a state of uncertainty regarding the status of planned exposure trips and training camps, which are crucial for their readiness ahead of the Games.

Future of Coaching and Training

Another point of concern is the availability of Massimo Costantini, the Italian coach whose contract as India's Foreign Expert concluded on May 15. Although he was verbally promised a new position as High Performance Director, this appointment has yet to be officially confirmed. Costantini was expected to join the Indian team for the ongoing Europe Smash tournament in Sweden, with plans to return to India on August 16. However, reports indicate that his travel arrangements have been postponed, and he may now return to Italy on August 15. The uncertainty surrounding his role raises questions about whether he will be involved in India's campaign at the Asian Games.

National Ranking Tournament Status

Amidst these developments, the first zonal National ranking table tennis tournament is set to take place in Kanpur from August 16 to 23, with the initial four days dedicated to junior competitions. This announcement has sparked anxiety among young athletes and their families regarding the tournament's viability. Nevertheless, sources within the TTFI have confirmed that the Kanpur event will proceed as planned, offering a glimmer of hope and clarity in an otherwise tumultuous period for Indian table tennis.

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