Indian shuttlers left to bear European tour expenses amid SAI-BAI funding row
Players had to compete without coaches by their side
India celebrated a memorable double triumph at the Hylo Open in Germany on November 1, with PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen winning the women’s and men’s singles titles.
However, the victories came against the backdrop of a funding controversy, with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) having declined to support the Indian contingent’s recent European campaign.
According to a report by The Indian Express, players were informed just days before the Arctic Open began in Finland on October 6 that SAI funding for the four-tournament European swing would not be released.
The tour included events in Finland, Denmark, France and Germany, leaving several shuttlers to manage their expenses.
Why did SAI withdraw funding support?
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The decision reportedly stemmed from an administrative issue involving the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the deadline for submitting funding proposals.
While some officials believed the withdrawal could be linked to India’s disappointing badminton campaign at the Asian Games, SAI rejected that suggestion.
A senior SAI official said the federation had failed to submit its proposal within the stipulated 30-day deadline. The official explained that the earlier requirement of 90 days without player names and 60 days with names had been revised to 30 days, but the necessary proposal was still not received on time.
Also Read: PV Sindhu climbs two places to World No. 6; Lakshya Sen rises to 13th in latest BWF rankings
SAI has indicated that financial support for upcoming tournaments will resume. However, players will not be reimbursed for the expenses they incurred during the four-week European tour.
The funding uncertainty affected more than just travel and accommodation arrangements. Some Indian players also had to compete without their regular coaches because they could not afford the additional expenses.
At the French Open, Ashmita Chaliha defeated former world No. 1 Akane Yamaguchi with fellow Indian shuttler Isharani Baruah in her corner instead of a coach. Tanvi Sharma, who reached the quarter-finals at the Denmark Open, also competed without her coach present.
The impact was reflected in the participation numbers as the tour progressed. While India’s 26 member contingent competed at the Arctic Open without withdrawals, six players pulled out of the Denmark Open, seven withdrew from the French Open and nine did not take part in the Hylo Open.
Sindhu and Sen deliver despite financial uncertainty
Despite the difficulties, Indian shuttlers produced several encouraging performances. Sindhu reached the final of the French Open Super 750 before losing to South Korea’s An Se-young, while Chaliha registered an impressive win over world No. 3 Yamaguchi. Anmol Kharb also reached the semi-finals of the Hylo Open.
The campaign ended on a high note in Germany. Sen defeated Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-10 to secure his first title in a year. Sindhu overcame Denmark’s Line Kjærsfeldt 21-12, 21-14 to claim her second title of the season.
The victories highlighted the players resilience, even as questions remain over the funding process and the support available to Indian shuttlers competing on the international circuit.
Why was fund support for Indian shuttlers withdrawn by SAI ahead of the European leg of BWF Tour?
According to a report, officials at the Badminton Association of India (BAI) believed the withdrawal could be linked to India’s disappointing badminton campaign at the Asian Games, SAI rejected that suggestion. A senior Sports Authority of India (SAI) official said the federation had failed to submit its proposal within the stipulated 30-day deadline.
How did the funding withdrawal affect Indian shuttlers?
The funding uncertainty affected more than just travel and accommodation arrangements. Some Indian players also had to compete without their regular coaches because they could not afford the additional expenses.
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