Indian paddler Ayhika Mukherjee posts cryptic message after Paris Olympics omission

Published at :May 20, 2024 at 6:37 AM

Modified at :August 22, 2024 at 7:40 AM

(Courtesy : @RBI/X)

India announced a three-member women’s contingent where Ayhika Mukherjee didn’t find a place.

Indian table tennis star Ayhika Mukherjee was dealt a major blow on Thursday when she missed out on selection for India’s three-member women’s team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Despite her stellar performances over the past year, including historic medal wins and upsets over top players, the 25-year-old was named only as an alternate player by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).

The decision surprised many, as Mukherjee is currently ranked second in TTFI’s domestic rankings behind only Manika Batra. She also pulled off a stunning win over world #1 Chinese paddler Sun Yingsha at the recent World Team Table Tennis Championships.

The three players selected ahead of Mukherjee for the Paris Olympics squad were Batra, Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath. While Batra and Akula’s inclusions were expected as the top two Indian women’s players, Kamath’s selection over Mukherjee raised eyebrows. TTFI cited Kamath’s higher world ranking of #103 compared to #136 for Mukherjee as a key factor, along with her combination with Batra in doubles.

Ayhika Posted story on her Instagram (Credits: ayhika.m/Instagram)

Shortly after the announcement, Mukherjee took to Instagram and posted a cryptic story that read “Survived too many storms to be bothered by raindrops” The vague message appeared to be a veiled response to her omission from the Olympic team.

Indian paddler Ayhika Mukherjee posts cryptic message after Paris Olympics omission

India announced a three-member women’s contingent where Ayhika Mukherjee didn’t find a place.

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