NEW DELHI: Ashwini Ponnappa, a prominent Indian doubles badminton player, expressed her disappointment on Tuesday regarding the lack of individual financial support from the sports ministry as she prepared for the Paris Olympics. She also mentioned that her request for a coach was rejected prior to the recently concluded Games.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) released a document outlining the financial assistance given to Indian athletes bound for Paris.According to the document, Ashwini received Rs 4,50,000 under TOPS and Rs 1,48,04,080 under Annual calender for Training and Competition (ACTC), which included the procurement of Game Ready recovery equipment, international competitions and sparring partner.
Despite the financial support mentioned in the SAI document, Ponnappa felt that the individual assistance provided to her was insufficient, especially considering the significance of the Olympic Games. The denial of her request for a coach further added to her concerns about the level of support she received during her preparations for the prestigious event.
“I’m absolutely shocked.. I don’t mind not getting money but telling the nation that I got money is ridiculous. I haven’t received it. Like if you’re talking about national camp, then that 1.5 Crore is spent on all the campers,” Ashwini told PTI.
“I don’t have a specific coach. As for my personalised trainer, I’m paying for him myself. I’m not taking money from anyone. I’ve played on my own until November (2023). I was included as part of TOPS only after we qualified…”
Ashwini, 34, has established herself as a leading Indian doubles player. Her impressive achievements include securing a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2010, a silver in 2014, and a bronze in 2018.
In addition to her Commonwealth Games successes, Ashwini has represented India on the grandest stage, having participated in both the London and Rio Olympics alongside her partner, Jwala Gutta.
Detailing the Rs 1.48 crore spending, a SAI source said: “The Rs 1.48 crore has been spent on her on travel, stay, food, competition fee, DA in all the competitions that she participated in as part of the Indian team in the Paris cycle.
“This money is given to BAI as part of ACTC.”
Ashwini, who partnered with N Sikki Reddy until August 2022, teamed up with Tanisha Crasto in December of that year. They began competing in international tournaments from January 2023.
A string of strong performances secured their qualification for the Paris Olympics, leading to their inclusion in the TOPS scheme in May this year.
“The ministry has always supported me. I’ve been part of the team for years and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received,” Ashwini said.
“The last year I haven’t been supported and it’s ok. But you can’t say I’ve been given Rs 1.5 crore, if it’s over four years, fair enough. As I was TOPS when I was partnering Sikki.”
Competing in her third Olympics, Ashwini was left in tears after she and her partner Tanisha failed to win a single match, resulting in an early and unceremonious exit from the group stage.
“I haven’t played well, irrespective of the coach not being there, I take responsibility for that. But you can’t say I’m getting this amount when I haven’t even got this amount,” she said.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) released a document outlining the financial assistance given to Indian athletes bound for Paris.According to the document, Ashwini received Rs 4,50,000 under TOPS and Rs 1,48,04,080 under Annual calender for Training and Competition (ACTC), which included the procurement of Game Ready recovery equipment, international competitions and sparring partner.
Despite the financial support mentioned in the SAI document, Ponnappa felt that the individual assistance provided to her was insufficient, especially considering the significance of the Olympic Games. The denial of her request for a coach further added to her concerns about the level of support she received during her preparations for the prestigious event.
“I’m absolutely shocked.. I don’t mind not getting money but telling the nation that I got money is ridiculous. I haven’t received it. Like if you’re talking about national camp, then that 1.5 Crore is spent on all the campers,” Ashwini told PTI.
“I don’t have a specific coach. As for my personalised trainer, I’m paying for him myself. I’m not taking money from anyone. I’ve played on my own until November (2023). I was included as part of TOPS only after we qualified…”
Ashwini, 34, has established herself as a leading Indian doubles player. Her impressive achievements include securing a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2010, a silver in 2014, and a bronze in 2018.
In addition to her Commonwealth Games successes, Ashwini has represented India on the grandest stage, having participated in both the London and Rio Olympics alongside her partner, Jwala Gutta.
Detailing the Rs 1.48 crore spending, a SAI source said: “The Rs 1.48 crore has been spent on her on travel, stay, food, competition fee, DA in all the competitions that she participated in as part of the Indian team in the Paris cycle.
“This money is given to BAI as part of ACTC.”
Ashwini, who partnered with N Sikki Reddy until August 2022, teamed up with Tanisha Crasto in December of that year. They began competing in international tournaments from January 2023.
A string of strong performances secured their qualification for the Paris Olympics, leading to their inclusion in the TOPS scheme in May this year.
“The ministry has always supported me. I’ve been part of the team for years and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received,” Ashwini said.
“The last year I haven’t been supported and it’s ok. But you can’t say I’ve been given Rs 1.5 crore, if it’s over four years, fair enough. As I was TOPS when I was partnering Sikki.”
Competing in her third Olympics, Ashwini was left in tears after she and her partner Tanisha failed to win a single match, resulting in an early and unceremonious exit from the group stage.
“I haven’t played well, irrespective of the coach not being there, I take responsibility for that. But you can’t say I’m getting this amount when I haven’t even got this amount,” she said.
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