New Delhi, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has defended government funding for Indian athletes amid criticism over the reported withdrawal of financial support for the national badminton team’s recent European tour, arguing that investing in sporting talent is essential for India’s future.
The debate erupted after Indian shuttlers reportedly had to bear expenses for a four-tournament European campaign covering Finland, Denmark, France and Germany. The issue gained prominence following Sindhu and Lakshya Sen’s singles titles at the Hylo Open in Saarbrucken, Germany, on Sunday.
Responding to a post on X, Sindhu highlighted the financial challenges of professional badminton, pointing out the disparity between tournament earnings and the expenses players incur on travel, coaching, physiotherapy, fitness training and support staff.
Comparing badminton with tennis, she noted that a first-round exit at Wimbledon earns a player 80,000 pounds, while a winner at the China Open receives USD 140,000. A first-round loser at the badminton tournament, however, earns only USD 2,000, despite facing largely similar expenses.
Sindhu acknowledged that established athletes should work towards financial independence and said she had benefited from sponsorship support. However, she stressed that younger players often lack such backing.
“More importantly, younger players had to compete without coaches, while several withdrew from tournaments. I can find ways to fund my tour. But what about the 18-year-old chasing her dreams, hoping to become the next Sindhu or Lakshya?” she asked.
She also acknowledged the contribution of the Central government and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), while emphasising the need for accountability.
“Supporting athletes isn’t bleeding the system. It’s investing in India’s sporting future,” she said.
SAI sources, meanwhile, attributed the funding issue to the Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) failure to submit its proposal within the prescribed deadline. Under revised guidelines, national federations must submit proposals containing players’ names at least 30 days before a tournament.
An SAI official said the deadline had already been relaxed from the earlier requirement of 60 days for proposals containing players’ names, but the necessary submission was still not received.
The absence of coaching support was also reported during the European campaign. Ashmita Chaliha received assistance from fellow Indian shuttler Isharani Baruah during her French Open win over Akane Yamaguchi, while young Tanvi Sharma competed without a coach despite reaching the Denmark Open quarterfinals.
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