Estee Ackerman, a multiple gold medallist at the United States Table Tennis Championships, is an Orthodox Jew and her religion prohibits taking part in organised sport over the Saturday sabbath.

According to the New York Post, the 18-year-old's father asked for a schedule change so Ackerman could play her matches on Thursday, Friday before sundown, and Sunday.

The New York Post reported the national governing body had turned down the request, throwing into doubt the young American's chances of playing for a place at this year's Olympic Games.

USA Table Tennis has been criticised by the Anti-Defamation League, an international Jewish Non-Governmental Organisation based in America, which called for the national governing to "to accommodate the Jewish religious observance of an Orthodox teenager".

The tournament is due to be held in Santa Monica, California from February 27 to March 1.

"I’m really disappointed," Ackerman told the New York Post. 

"I’d like them to give me the opportunity to go for my dream.

"I’m training day and night.

"I would love to go to Tokyo [for the Olympics] this summer. 

"I think I should get the opportunity to try out."