Munmun Kaur
Published On: February 12, 2022 at 12:42 IST
Being appalled by the sorry State of affairs, the Delhi High Court on February 11, appointed an administrator to run the affairs of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) thereby suspending the operation of its Executive Committee.
Justice Rekha Palli was hearing a Plea filed by Commonwealth Games gold medalist Manika Batra, challenging the Rules issued by the Table Tennis Federation Of India (TTFI) which makes attending of National Coaching Camp compulsory for being selected for international events.
The Table Tennis player was aggrieved over the fact that she was left out of the contingent being sent for the 25th ITTF Asian Table Tennis Championships, 2021 to be held in Doha from September 28-October 04.
The Plea Alleged that she was pressured by the national coach Soumyadeep Roy, to deliberately throw away a match so that one of his trainees at his private academy can qualify for the Olympics, 2020. The Plea sought enquiry into the Federation’s management and Roy’s conduct.
Justice Rekha Palli observed that in case an enquiry is not directed to be conducted into the affairs of TTFI and administrator is not appointed to run the federation in the meanwhile by suspending the executive body, the Court would be failing in its duty not only towards the sportspersons of the Country but also towards the general public itself.
The Court also noted that there was no explanation given by the federation or Roy as to why he was appointed as national coach when he was running his own private academy.
The High Court said,
“The executive committee of TTFI will no longer be allowed to take a decision or interfere with in the manner in which the administrator decides to discharge duties assigned to it under the National Sports Code”.
The High Court also hinted that the administrator appointed is likely to be a retired Chief Justice of a High Court. Further, two or three more persons will be appointed along with the administrator. Although, the names will be disclosed in the Order itself.
The matter is listed for April 19.