The All India Tennis Association (AITA) issued a formal rebuttal on August 25, 2026, against Sports Authority of India (SAI) claims regarding the omission of key players from the Asian Games squad.
Star player Rohan Bopanna criticized the selection process, arguing that the current criteria prioritize spreadsheets over actual sporting performance and medal potential.
The dispute highlights ongoing friction between national sports federations and the government, with athletes demanding a more transparent and merit-based selection system for the 2026 Games.