Indian Badminton Players Allegedly Left to Fund European Tour Themselves

Indian badminton players delivered impressive performances during their recent European tour, with PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen winning the women’s and men’s singles titles at the Hylo Open in Germany. However, the team’s achievements have been overshadowed by a funding controversy. According to reports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) did not release funds for the Indian contingent’s four-tournament campaign across Finland, Denmark, France and Germany. Players were reportedly informed of the decision just days before the Arctic Open began in Finland on October 6, leaving them with little time to make alternative arrangements. While the Badminton Association of India (BAI) reportedly arranged accommodation for the opening event, players had to manage several other expenses, including travel, food and accommodation. The funding shortage also meant that some shuttlers, including Ashmita Chaliha and Tanvi Sharma, had to compete without their coaches.

The reason behind the non-release of funds has also triggered debate. Some officials reportedly suspected a link to India’s disappointing badminton campaign at the Asian Games, where the team failed to win an individual medal for the first time since 2014. However, a senior SAI official denied that the decision was performance-related, stating that BAI had failed to submit the funding proposal within the mandatory 30-day deadline. SAI reportedly said that funding would be restored for upcoming tournaments, but players would not be reimbursed for the expenses incurred during the European tour. Reacting to the development, PV Sindhu said she was shocked by the decision but remained focused on competing and improving her game. She added that she managed some expenses herself, with support from Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ). Sindhu had earlier reached the French Open final before winning the Hylo Open, while Lakshya Sen claimed the men’s singles title in Germany.