Tennis
All India Tennis Association names squad for 2026 Asian Games
AITA announced India's tennis contingent for the Asian Games in Nagoya, with former national champion Srivalli Rashmikaa not included in the squad.
Sumit Nagal in action at 2026 Delhi Open (Photo credit: Delhi Open)
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced India's tennis squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with one notable omission drawing attention. Former national champion Srivalli Rashmikaa has not been included in either the main squad or the reserve list for the continental event.
AITA's selection committee unveiled a 12-member contingent comprising six men and six women, along with reserve players for both categories. The team features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent selected on the basis of recent performances and rankings.
The men's squad will be led by Sumit Nagal and includes Manas Dhamne, Dhakshineshwar Suresh, Yuki Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekar. The reserve list features Karan Singh, Rithvik Bollipalli and Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha.
In the women's section, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Vaidehee Chaudhari, Rutuja Bhosale, Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare have secured places in the final squad. Zeel Desai and Shruti Ahlawat have been named as reserves.
The absence of Srivalli Rashmikaa is among the biggest talking points from the squad announcement. The Indian player, who has represented the country at international events and remained a prominent figure on the domestic circuit, failed to find a place in the selected contingent.
AITA did not provide individual explanations regarding selections or omissions, stating only that the squad was chosen based on recent performances and rankings.
The Asian Games tennis competition is expected to be one of the key medal opportunities for India in Nagoya, with the selected players set to compete across singles, doubles and mixed doubles events as the country looks to continue its strong record at the continental showpiece.
India will field the following squad at the Asian Games:
Men: Sumit Nagal, Manas Dhamne, Dhakshineshwar Suresh, Yuki Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji, Anirudh Chandrasekar.
Women's: Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Vaidehee Chaudhari, Rutuja Bhosale, Ankita Raina, Prarthana Thombare.
Reserves: Karan Singh, Rithvik Bollipalli, Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, Zeel Desai and Shruti Ahlawat.