Indian Para Badminton Players Honored with INR 50 Lakh Reward for Historic Paralympic Success

Indian Para Badminton Players Honored with INR 50 Lakh Reward for Historic Paralympic Success

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a grand reward of INR 50 lakh to honor the exceptional achievements of India’s para badminton players at the recently concluded Paris Paralympics 2024. The Indian contingent made history by securing five medals – one gold, two silver, and two bronze – their highest tally ever at the Paralympic Games.

Nitesh Kumar, the gold medalist in the men’s singles SL3 category, will receive a purse of INR 15 lakh. Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan, who won silver medals in the men’s singles SL4 and women’s singles SU5 categories respectively, will each receive INR 10 lakh. Manisha Ramadass and Nithya Sre Sivan, who clinched bronze medals in the women’s singles SH6 and women’s singles SU5 categories respectively, will receive INR 7.5 lakh each.

BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra lauded the historic campaign of India’s para badminton players, stating that the cash rewards are a token of appreciation for their efforts in bringing glory to the country. He emphasized BAI’s commitment to developing and promoting para-badminton across India, with initiatives underway to support these players in achieving even greater success.

Considering the players’ busy tournament schedules, BAI will organize a virtual interaction session to congratulate them and discuss their requirements for continued development. The association is dedicated to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure that India’s para badminton players continue to excel on the world stage.

Parabadminton player awaiting for his dues by PCI since June 2022

It was during the 2022 Para badminton International when the athlete, Sanjeev kumar along with his four teammates had to pay the organizers to access their accommodation and the venue.

Indian officials who were responsible for the team started playing a blame game. In June 2023 before the next edition, an email was sent from Joran Bridal, the Executive Director of Badminton Canada regarding the pending invoice of $2,480.

In the mail it clearly stated that only after the payment is done will the player be let into their accommodation and competition venue.

This led to an international embarrassment as the players were asked to vacate their hotel because the balance invoice was unpaid. 

“We were told to pay for accommodation and entry fees ourselves. We had no choice but to pay out of our own pockets. Since we paid all the dues, we had to borrow money for meals” Sanjeev Kumar stated.

A receipt issued by badminton Canada confirms that Sanjeev Kumar paid $710 (around 59,500) to cover the fees and accommodation. Para badminton official under the BAI said the amount was paid to PCI to cover expenses including entry fees.

The blame game just keeps going on whereas player, Sanjeev Kumar who has sent numerous reminders for refund still awaits a positive response from Para badminton chairman (Prabhakar rao)

Para Badminton Champion Calls for Transfer to Paralympic Committee of India

Para Badminton Champion Calls for Transfer to Paralympic Committee of India

Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar has raised concerns over the lack of recognition and administrative support for para badminton within the Badminton Association of India (BAI). Kumar, who won a historic gold medal in the SL3 class at the Paris Paralympics, has called for para badminton to be transferred under the aegis of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for the sport’s betterment and progress.

Kumar expressed his dissatisfaction with BAI’s lack of attention to para badminton, despite the significant achievements of para shuttlers. “We have won 21 medals at the Asian Para Games, around 14-15 medals at the World Championships, and 5 medals at the Paralympics, but we don’t receive basic appreciation from BAI,” Kumar said.

He highlighted several administrative issues affecting para shuttlers, including delays, inefficiencies, and logistical problems. “There are significant administrative delays and inefficiencies. Often, only 1 or 2 people manage everything, and it’s kind of too much for them, they sometimes miss things,” Kumar said.

Kumar emphasized the need for a dedicated administration team, clear communication channels, and player involvement in selection procedures. “First and foremost, we need a proper administration team. Currently, all responsibilities often fall on one person, which at times gets overwhelming. With a dedicated team, tasks can be distributed effectively and managed more efficiently,” Kumar said.

He also raised concerns about the lack of support for para badminton in terms of funding, training facilities, and equipment. “We need more funding for para badminton. We need better training facilities and equipment. We need more coaches and support staff,” Kumar said.

Kumar’s call for the transfer of para badminton to PCI has received support from other para shuttlers and sports enthusiasts. They believe that PCI has a better track record of supporting para sports and can provide the necessary resources and support for the growth and development of para badminton in India.

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

Nitesh Kumar Slams BAI, Calls for Shift of Para Badminton to PCI

In a powerful social media statement that has resonated deeply within the sports community, Nitesh Kumar, India’s gold medalist from the 2024 Paris Paralympics, has publicly criticized the Badminton Association of India (BAI). The 29-year-old para-badminton star, who made headlines for his remarkable achievement in the Men’s Singles SL3 category, expressed his dissatisfaction with BAI’s engagement in para-badminton responsibilities and has urged that the sport be transferred to the Paralympics Committee of India (PCI).

Nitesh’s frustration is rooted in the perceived lack of support and responsiveness from BAI regarding the needs and interests of para-badminton athletes. In his candid remarks on social media, he highlighted that despite the association’s rare moments of appreciation, the athletes feel largely ignored. “We are highly dissatisfied with the response and the interest from BAI,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a more dedicated focus on para-badminton that PCI could potentially provide.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Nitesh’s social media post tagged prominent figures, including the Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Arunachal Pradesh MP, Kiren Rijiju. By reaching out to these authorities, Nitesh hopes to amplify the voices of fellow para-athletes who share similar sentiments. His plea is clear: the governance of para-badminton needs to be handled by those who are attuned to the unique challenges faced by these athletes.

Nitesh Kumar’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Having won India’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics without losing a single match, his dedication and skill showcase the heights that can be achieved even against substantial odds. The final match saw him triumph over Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell with scores of 21-14, 18-21, and 23-21. His resilience in the face of a life-altering accident in 2009, which resulted in permanent leg damage, further underscores his remarkable spirit and passion for the sport.

As calls for a transfer of governance continue to echo through the sporting world, it remains to be seen how BAI will respond to the growing discontent among para-badminton athletes. Nitesh Kumar’s bold stand not only highlights the urgent need for change but also sets a precedent for other athletes to speak up regarding their concerns. As his journey unfolds, supporters hope that his voice leads to meaningful change for para-badminton in India, ensuring that the sport receives the attention and support it truly deserves.

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