AITA, Rohan Bopanna Criticise Sports Ministry Over 2026 Asian Games Tennis Omissions
24 Aug 2026Updated 22 days ago1 source
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) and veteran player Rohan Bopanna have criticised the Sports Ministry's decision to trim India's 2026 Asian Games tennis squad from 12 recommended players to seven. This cut resulted in the exclusion of Manas Dhamne and Vaishnavi Adkar. The ministry defended its stance, stating its policy prioritises medal potential over sending players for exposure.
NIKAN Intelligence
What happened
The Sports Ministry reduced the All India Tennis Association's (AITA) recommended 12-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games to just seven players, resulting in the exclusion of Manas Dhamne and Vaishnavi Adkar. Tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna and AITA have strongly criticised this reduction.
Why it matters
The decision highlights an ongoing policy conflict between national sports federations seeking to give young players international exposure and the government's strict funding criteria focused solely on immediate medal potential.
What we know
- The Sports Ministry cut AITA's recommended squad from 12 players to seven.
- Manas Dhamne and Vaishnavi Adkar were excluded despite being part of the Target Asian Games Group.
- Rohan Bopanna has openly criticised the omission of the young players.
- The Sports Ministry is maintaining its decision based on medal-potential selection criteria.
What we don't know
- The names of the other three players who were excluded to bring the list down from 12 to seven.
- Whether AITA will legally challenge or formally appeal the ministry's final decision.
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