By abandoning players, SAI rings alarm bells

The Indian badminton players faced a stark financial predicament during a European tour, after their government funding was abruptly withdrawn just days before their participation in the Arctic Open in Finland. This was a rare occurrence, as financial support for individual athletes is not uncommon, but an entire team's lack of sanctioned funding for an international tour is unprecedented.

This incident is particularly concerning, considering the significant increase in government spending on sports over the past decade, growing from Rs 1,156 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 4,479 crore in 2026-27. While the focus has often been on P V Sindhu, questioning her need for government assistance, the broader issue lies in the need for a system that provides consistent support to all athletes, regardless of their financial status.

Sindhu highlighted the necessity of such support for the younger generation, such as Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma, who need institutional backing to achieve their goals. This situation extends beyond just travel expenses, as high-level competition requires a comprehensive team of coaches, physiotherapists, and other support personnel.

The uncertainty surrounding funding also extended to the junior level, as India's 30-member contingent for the World Junior Championships in Cairo nearly missed the event due to delayed funding clearance. The BAI eventually managed to raise the necessary funds, but the episode was far from seamless and exposed the federation's vulnerability.

The SAI's decision to withdraw funding, allegedly due to procedural delays in BAI's proposals, appeared arbitrary and in contrast to the athletes' interests. This incident serves as a wake-up call for national federations to develop more robust financial models, reducing their reliance on government support. Public funding will continue to be crucial, but federations must also find ways to sustain their programs independently.

It is unsettling to envision a nation spending a staggering Rs 20 crore to host badminton World Championships while its players grapple with the burden of financing their next international tournament.