PV Sindhu calls for continued financial support for Indian shuttlers amid SAI funding row

File Image: P.V. Sindhu called for continued financial support for Indian badminton players on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu on Tuesday called for continued financial support for Indian badminton players, particularly youngsters without sponsors, following the funding controversy surrounding the national contingent’s recent European tour.

Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively, at the Hylo Open in Germany on Sunday. However, reports subsequently revealed that 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.

Addressing the issue in a post on X, Sindhu highlighted the considerable difference in prize money between tennis and badminton despite the similar expenses involved in competing internationally.

“A first-round exit at Wimbledon earns £80,000. Winning the China Open, one of badminton’s richest tournaments, earns $140,000. Lose in the first round? Just $2,000,” Sindhu wrote.

Mr. Kannan, with all due respect, I don't think your tweet fully captures the reality of professional badminton. A first-round exit at Wimbledon earns £80,000. Winning the China Open, one of badminton's richest tournaments, earns $140,000. Lose in the first round? Just $2,000. Yet our expenses are largely similar. Travel, coaches, physios, trainers and support teams. I've had long conversations with Rohan Bopanna about this very disparity. I agree that established athletes should strive to be financially independent. I've been fortunate to have wonderful sponsors, but not everyone has that privilege. That's also why organisations like @OGQ_India are so important. More importantly, if you read Mihir's article in full, you'll see that 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? And I must acknowledge the tremendous support the Government of India and @Media_SAI have extended to athletes like us over the years. Their contribution to Indian sport cannot be understated. 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.

— PV Sindhu (@Pvsindhu1) November 3, 2026

She pointed out that players must bear expenses for travel, coaches, physiotherapists, trainers and other support staff, irrespective of their tournament earnings.

The 31-year-old, who also reached the French Open final during the European tour, acknowledged that established players should aim to become financially independent but stressed that younger athletes often lack similar resources.

“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.

Sindhu also acknowledged the assistance she had received from the government and SAI throughout her career, while emphasising the importance of maintaining financial support for emerging players.

“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 added.