Sports Ministry upholds strict tennis selection for Asian Games

The Indian Sports Ministry has upheld strict international ranking criteria for the Asian Games tennis squad, resulting in the exclusion of five players. The omitted athletes include Manas Dhamne, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari, and Prarthana Thombare.

According to sources, the players did not meet the required continental standings, which mandate that singles players be among the top six in Asia and doubles players within the top eight over a 12-month period. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) did not include these names in the shortlist sent to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Two-time Asian Games gold medalist Rohan Bopanna has criticized the decision, arguing that the players earned their rankings through international competition and deserve the opportunity to compete. Bopanna questioned the rationale of selecting athletes based on predicted medal prospects rather than established rankings, suggesting the policy could discourage families and sponsors from investing in talent.