PV Sindhu concerned over financial woes on Europe tour

PV Sindhu is in the fray for one of the ten elected positions in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Athletes’ Commission

HYDERABAD: Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has expressed concern over the financial difficulties faced by Indian shuttlers during their four-tournament European campaign, warning that the lack of institutional support could jeopardise the careers of promising youngsters. India’s European swing covered tournaments in Finland, Denmark, France and Germany. With Sports Authority of India (SAI) assistance falling through, several players had to meet expenses out of pocket or seek help from organisations such as Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ). Some younger shuttlers competed without coaches, while others withdrew from tournaments.

Reacting on X, Sindhu highlighted the huge disparity between badminton and tennis earnings, pointing out that players in both sports face comparable expenses but vastly different prize money. “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 on X. Travel, coaching, physiotherapy and other support costs remain substantial in both sports, she said, adding that she had discussed the disparity with former Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna. Sindhu stressed that not everyone has access to sponsorships and private support. “I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful sponsors, but not everyone has that privilege,” she said. “If I can find ways to fund my tour. But what about the 18-year-old chasing her dreams?” she asked.