Sindhu urges backing for young shuttlers after funding row

P.V. Sindhu has called for continued financial support for Indian badminton players, particularly youngsters without sponsors, after reports that the national contingent had to fund its recent European tour. Speaking in a post on X on Tuesday, 3 November, the two-time Olympic medallist said established players may be able to cover their own costs, but younger athletes often cannot.

The comments followed a successful end to the tour for Sindhu and Lakshya Sen. They won the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively, at the Hylo Open in Germany on Sunday, while Sindhu also reached the French Open final.

Funding questions after European tour

Reports said the players had to arrange their own funding for four tournaments in Finland, Denmark, France and Germany after the Sports Authority of India (SAI) did not release financial assistance. Sindhu said the issue affected younger players: some had to compete without coaches, while several players 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 wrote. She said she had been fortunate to have sponsors, while recognising that not every player has that support.

Prize money does not cover every cost

Sindhu also pointed to the gap between prize money in tennis and badminton, arguing that athletes in both sports face substantial expenses when competing internationally. She cited £80,000 for a first-round exit at Wimbledon, compared with $140,000 for winning the China Open and $2,000 for a first-round loss at that badminton tournament.

Those figures, she said, do not remove the need to pay for travel, coaches, physiotherapists, trainers and other support staff. Sindhu acknowledged that established athletes should strive to become financially independent, but said younger players without sponsors face a different position.

Support for emerging players

Sindhu acknowledged the support the Government of India and SAI have given athletes like her over the years. Her appeal was for financial support to remain available as younger players try to compete internationally, even while questions are asked about how that support is provided.

“Accountability is absolutely necessary. But supporting athletes isn’t bleeding the system. It’s investing in India’s sporting future. And we shouldn’t lose sight of that,” she wrote. Her comments highlighted reports that younger players competed without coaches and several players withdrew from tournaments.