PV Sindhu calls for institutional support for young badminton players

New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on Tuesday called for continued institutional support for players, highlighting the financial challenges of competing on the international badminton circuit, particularly for younger shuttlers who lack sponsorship or the resources to travel with their support teams.

Sindhu and Lakshya Sen capped a successful European tour on Sunday with title-winning runs at the Hylo Open in Germany. However, it was later revealed that the players had to fund their participation in four tournaments in Finland, Denmark, France and Germany themselves after the Sports Authority of India (SAI) decided not to finance the trip.

A day after the funding issue came to light, the 31-year-old highlighted the disparity in prize money between tennis and 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,” she wrote in a detailed post on X.

“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…”

Despite the difference in earnings, expenses incurred on travel and hiring coaches, physiotherapists, trainers and other support staff remain largely similar in badminton, she argued.

She acknowledged the government’s support but added that accountability was also necessary.

“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.”

Sindhu, who reached the final of the French Open, said she had been fortunate to have sponsors and could arrange funds for her own tour. However, not every player enjoyed that privilege.

“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.