Ashwini Ponnappa Disputes SAI’s Financial Support Claims
Indian doubles badminton specialist Ashwini Ponnappa has expressed shock and disappointment over the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) claim that she received significant financial assistance in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics. Ponnappa asserts that she received minimal individual support and that her request for a coach was denied.
SAI’s document details financial support provided to Paris-bound athletes, including Rs 4,50,000 under TOPS and Rs 1,48,04,080 under ACTC for Ponnappa. However, Ponnappa claims that the ACTC funds were spent on all national campers, not solely on her.
“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,” Ponnappa told PTI. “I don’t have a specific coach. As for my personalized trainer, I’m paying for him myself.”
Ponnappa, 34, is a decorated doubles player with Commonwealth Games medals and Olympic appearances to her credit. She joined forces with Tanisha Crasto in December 2022 and qualified for Paris in May 2023, after which they were included in TOPS.
Despite her achievements, Ponnappa feels she has not received adequate support in recent years. “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,” she said.
SAI maintains that the ACTC funds were used for Ponnappa’s travel, stay, food, and competition expenses as part of the Indian team. However, Ponnappa disputes this, stating that she has not received the funds directly.
Ponnappa’s concerns highlight the challenges faced by Indian athletes in securing adequate financial and coaching support. Despite her disappointment, she remains grateful for the support she has received in the past.
