Indian Table Tennis Federation Rocked by Suspension of Secretary General Kamlesh Mehta
In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through Indian sports administration, the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has suspended its secretary general and former India international Kamlesh Mehta during an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This action comes at a paradoxical time when Indian table tennis is experiencing remarkable success on the global stage, with paddlers recently securing 10 medals, including four gold, at the 2026 WTT Star Youth Contender and Feeder events in Doha.
Suspension Based on Alleged Irregularities
The TTFI Executive Committee invoked Clause 11(d) of the federation's Memorandum of Association to remove Mehta from charge, citing serious irregularities in the discharge of his official duties. In communications accessed by media, the committee stated it exercised its powers in view of serious irregularities attributed to you in the discharge of your official duties. The federation indicated these irregularities, prima facie, involve matters of governance and administrative propriety that warrant detailed independent investigation.
As an immediate consequence of this decision, Maharashtra State Association secretary Yatin Tipnis has been entrusted with the responsibilities of the secretary general's position during the AGM proceedings.
Mehta's Strong Rejection and Election Concerns
Kamlesh Mehta, a two-time Olympian and eight-time national champion who stands as one of Indian table tennis's most prominent historical figures, has vehemently rejected the suspension. He characterized the action as unfair and unconstitutional and directly linked it to the upcoming federation elections scheduled for later this year.
This is unfair and unconstitutional. There are federation elections slated later this year, and all this is being done to take complete control of TTFI. I will challenge this and take appropriate steps, Mehta stated in his response to the suspension.
Escalation of Long-Running Power Struggle
This suspension represents the latest flashpoint in a bitter internal feud between federation president Meghna Ahlawat and secretary general Kamlesh Mehta. The two have been locked in a power struggle since their election in December 2022, which was initially described as a compromise arrangement within the federation's leadership structure.
The timing is particularly significant as the move comes less than a year before federation elections due in December, with many within the table tennis community viewing it as a strategic maneuver by rival factions to consolidate organizational control. Sources indicate the president's faction aims to secure both the president's and secretary general's positions in the upcoming elections, with the suspension potentially intended to bar Mehta from contesting in December.
Constitutional Challenges and Meeting Controversies
In a detailed reply circulated to federation members, Mehta questioned the legality of the AGM convened by President Ahlawat, citing specific constitutional provisions. Article 19(B)(a) of the TTFI Constitution categorically mentions that it is the Secretary General who has the power to convene all meetings. The Constitution does not grant the President the power to call a meeting, Mehta asserted.
He further explained that according to federation rules, the president may only take matters into their own hands when the secretary general does not respond to requests for meetings. Mehta claims he has received no formal request from the president to convene the AGM despite three formal inquiries with all stakeholders marked.
Chain of Events Leading to Suspension
The sequence leading to Mehta's suspension began earlier this month when he convened an Emergency Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 17, attended by TTFI member units. During this meeting, the Senior National Championships were allotted to Indore and scheduled from March 15 to 21, along with finalization of age-group tournaments.
However, even before this SGM occurred, President Ahlawat declared the meeting called by Mehta to be unconstitutional and invalid in a letter dated January 15, setting the stage for direct confrontation over authority within the federation.
The president's faction has cited alleged delays in conducting national championships, convening the AGM, and non-announcement of the domestic calendar as grounds for Mehta's removal from position.
Inquiry Process and Federation Provisions
The TTFI Executive Committee has appointed a three-member inquiry panel comprising Chetan Gurung, Samar Jeet Singh, and Sundara Varadhan to investigate the alleged irregularities. This panel has been directed to submit its report within a stipulated time frame.
The federation has stated that a show-cause notice will be issued separately, granting Mehta an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him. According to the Memorandum of Association, the Executive Committee possesses the authority to declare a person persona non grata for a specified period pending inquiry if such a person is found likely to endanger the harmony or affect the character, stability and interests of the federation.
The provision further specifies that if such a person holds office, they shall ipso facto cease to hold that office upon a two-thirds majority decision by the committee.
Political Connections and Administrative Scrutiny
Adding another layer to this administrative drama, President Meghna Ahlawat is married to former Haryana deputy chief minister and Jannayak Janta Party leader Dushyant Chautala, who served as TTFI president from January 2017 to December 2022. This political connection has drawn additional scrutiny within Indian sports administrative circles as the power struggle unfolds.
The suspension of Kamlesh Mehta represents a significant disruption in Indian table tennis administration at precisely the moment when the sport's athletes are achieving unprecedented international success, creating a stark contrast between on-table achievements and off-table administrative turmoil.
