With uncertainty hovering over India's participation in next month's Artistic Gymnastic World Championship, top gymnast Rakesh Patra feels not taking part in the competition will affect the country's preparations for the Tokyo Olympics.
Indian gymnasts were left in the lurch after reports emerged that the sports ministry refused to clear the team for the World Championship.
The 48th Artistic Gymnastics World C’hips will be held in Doha from October 25 to November 3.
Patra, who had finished fourth in the ring event at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Turkey in August, said if India can't participate it will be a huge blow to their preparation for the Olympics.
"If we are not able to participate in the Doha World championship we would never know where we stand in the global ranking chart. We need to test ourselves against the best to understand where we need to improve ahead of the Olympics," Patra said.
"Next year there is the qualifying event (World C’ship in Stuttgart) for 2020 Tokyo Games and if this issue continues it will affect our chances. It will affect India's reputation in the global stage," he added.