Ayhika Mukherjee Omitted from Paris Olympics Table Tennis Team

Ayhika Mukherjee, the Asian Games bronze medalist in table tennis, has expressed her disappointment over being omitted from the three-member women's team for the Paris Olympics. Despite her impressive doubles performance, the selection committee chose Archana Kamath over Ayhika, citing her higher international singles ranking.

Ayhika, who will travel to Paris as a reserve, believes she is not just a doubles specialist and can pair up with any player. She highlighted her strong doubles ranking (13th) and exceptional singles performances at both national and international levels. She also pointed out her successful partnership with Sreeja Akula in the past.

Ayhika's omission has raised questions about the selection criteria. She played a key role in the women's team's qualification for Paris at the Team Worlds, defeating world No. 1 Sun Yingsha. However, Archana's higher singles ranking and previous doubles experience with Manika Batra may have influenced the decision.

Ayhika expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic. She said, "My confidence is not broken and dreams have not shattered. I have faith in my hard work. No one can predict the future and anything can happen." She added that she will continue to train with Paris in mind.

Ayhika also highlighted the financial challenges she faces as a non-TOPS athlete. Limited funds restrict her ability to travel abroad and compete in WTT tournaments, which could help her improve her individual ranking. She said, "With the federation's support, I can play maximum 5-6 events, and that too depends on my performance and ranking. Since I am not part of TOPS unlike other players, to play more tournaments and better my ranking, I have to self fund. And that is difficult."

Despite the setback, Ayhika remains determined to prove her worth. She said, "I have always contributed and delivered results when it was expected from me, either at doubles or singles events in major tournaments. The reactions from everyone after the team announcement speaks for itself on how I would have felt."

Tags: #TableTennis, #ParisOlympics, #AyhikaMukherjee, #ArchanaKamath, #SelectionControversy