Indian badminton players lacked SAI funding for Europe tour

Indian badminton players competed in a four-tournament European campaign without funding from the Sports Authority of India, leaving some to pay expenses themselves. SAI has attributed the funding lapse to a late proposal from the Badminton Association of India, while players will not be reimbursed for costs incurred on the tour, according to reporting on the decision. The contingent played events in Finland, Denmark, France and Germany. Players were informed shortly before the Arctic Open began in Finland on October 6, leaving limited time to make other arrangements. The reported funding gap affected travel, food and accommodation costs. BAI had arranged accommodation for the opening tournament, but players were expected to cover costs at later events. PV Sindhu said she was surprised to learn that the funding had not come through. She told The Indian Express that she arranged some expenses herself and received assistance from Olympic Gold Quest, which supports her. Sindhu said her priority was to participate and focus on her matches. A senior SAI official said the funding was not released because BAI did not submit its proposal by the deadline. The official said national...