Table Tennis Federation of India Suspends Secretary General Kamlesh Mehta
The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has plunged into fresh administrative turmoil after suspending its secretary general, former national player Kamlesh Mehta, with immediate effect. The decision was taken during the federation's Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing factional conflict within the governing body.
Factional Divide Between President and Secretary
TTFI president Meghna Ahlawat, who is the wife of former Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, and secretary general Kamlesh Mehta have been representing opposing factions since their election in December 2022. Their positions were initially part of a compromise arrangement aimed at stabilizing the federation, but tensions have been simmering for months.
The recent clash centered on the scheduling of the AGM, with both leaders locked in disagreement over the timing and procedures. This dispute ultimately culminated in Mehta's suspension during the meeting, throwing the federation's operations into uncertainty.
New Appointment to Oversee Daily Operations
In response to the suspension, the TTFI AGM nominated Yatin Tipnis, representing the Maharashtra State Association, as the senior joint secretary. Tipnis has been instructed to manage the day-to-day affairs of the federation to ensure that athletes and competitions are not adversely affected by the administrative chaos.
Yatin Tipnis stated, "The post of senior joint secretary was vacant so I was nominated in the AGM. Now that the secretary's post is suspended, I have been instructed to look after the day-to-day running of the TTFI affairs so that athletes are not impacted."
Mehta Claims Lack of Formal Communication
When contacted, Kamlesh Mehta, a former India international and Arjuna awardee, revealed that he has not received any official communication regarding his suspension. "I have been hearing about the suspension. I have not got anything in written from TTFI. I have not been able to access the official email since yesterday," he said.
Mehta further alleged that "agenda-driven politics is being played as they (the other faction) never wanted me as secretary in the first place." This accusation underscores the deep-seated divisions within the TTFI leadership.
Background of TTFI's Administrative Struggles
The suspension is the latest chapter in the TTFI's troubled administrative history. In February 2022, the Delhi High Court suspended the federation after observing "a sorry state of affairs" and appointed a Committee of Administrators (CoA) to oversee its activities. Fresh elections were subsequently held in December 2022, resulting in the election of Ahlawat and Mehta under the compromise formula.
Earlier this month, an Emergency Special General Meeting (SGM) was convened by Kamlesh Mehta in Mumbai. However, in a letter dated January 15, TTFI president Meghna Ahlawat declared this SGM as unconstitutional and invalid, highlighting the procedural disputes that have plagued the federation.
The ongoing power struggle raises serious concerns about the governance of table tennis in India, potentially affecting player development, tournament organization, and the sport's overall growth. Stakeholders are now watching closely to see how the TTFI navigates this latest crisis and whether a lasting resolution can be achieved to restore stability to the national federation.
