PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Win Hylo Open Titles Amid Funding Concerns For Indian Shuttlers

PVS and Lakshya Sen capped off their European campaign for India with victories in their singles events at the Hylo Open in Germany on Sunday. But the successes were offset by a lack of funds, as a number of Indian players have been said to have borne the costs of the European trip.

The Indian contingent is not getting funds for their four-tournament foray in Finland, Denmark, France and Germany from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), according to a report in The Indian Express.

The players were said to be told about the move as late as just days before the Arctic Open got under way in Vantaa on October 6, giving them little time to make other financial arrangements.

Sindhu Surprised By Funding Decision

Olympic silver-medallist PV Sindhu said that she was surprised at the lack of government support when she was playing in Europe on the French Open.

She had to pay some of these out of her own pocket when she found out that the money had not been disbursed, Sindhu said. It is understood that it had a negative impact on some of the Indian badminton team members.

Indian Shuttlers had to cover expenses on the tour

The European campaign consisted of four tournaments: the Arctic Open in Finland, the Denmark Open, the French Open, and the Hylo Open (in Germany).

The SAI funding was not reported on and players had to find their own money for the expenses of the tour, including travel, accommodation and food.

Despite India's struggle was capped off with gold medals at the Hylo Open won by Sindhu and Lakshya Sen despite the financial woes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

[email protected]

Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

Read More