TTFI calls executive committee meeting to discuss Manikas allegations against national coach: The Tribune India

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New Delhi, September 9

The Indian Table Tennis Federation (TTFI) called a meeting of its executive committee on Saturday to discuss allegations by star player Manika Batra regarding match-fixing against national coach Soumyadeep Roy.

After Manika’s allegation, in response to TTFI’s notice of presentation, that the national coach asked him to pitch a game in the Olympic qualifiers in March, the federation asked Roy for a written response that he submitted.

“The matter will be discussed in the virtual meeting and I will propose the formation of an investigation committee, but the committee will take the last call,” TTFI secretary Arun Banerjee told PTI on Thursday.

TTFI Chairman and Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana Dushyant Chautala is expected to attend the meeting.

National camp in Sonepat

Regarding the ongoing national camp in Sonepat, Banerjee said most players have reported excluding Manika. G Sathiyan, who had preferred to train in Poland, is also expected to reach it in a day or two.

The federation recently made attendance at the camp mandatory for players to be eligible for major events, including the Asian Championships in Doha later this month.

Sutirtha Mukherjee, who did not report to Sonepat at the start of the camp, also reached the stage after recovering from a fever, Banerjee said.

“The rules are pretty clear. You have to attend camp to be eligible for selection, ”he said.

No full-time coach since 2018 Asian Games

The federation, which has failed to enlist a foreign trainer for more than three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other reasons, is seeking to hire one as soon as possible.

Former Spanish player Alfredo Carneros has emerged as one of the candidates. Indian veteran Sharath Kamal had beaten him at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“We have wasted a lot of time because of the Covid. We are on the lookout and chatting with a few coaches. A decision will be made soon, ”added Banerjee. —PTI

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