New Delhi: Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Tuesday announced cash rewards for the para-shuttlers who returned with medals from the Paris Paralympics 2024 last month. A total reward prize of INR 50 lakh was announced for the five medallists.
Nitesh Kumar was the only gold medallist from India’s para badminton contingent, rallying past Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in a nerve-wracking final of the men’s singles SL3 class. Thulasimathi Murgusen settled for a silver medal after losing the final against Yang Qi Xia of China in women’s singles SU5 class. In the same category, Manisha Ramadass claimed bronze medal with victory over Canada’s Catherine Rosengreen comprehensively.
Suhas Yathiraj bagged back-to-back silver medals at the Paralympics after losing to the same opponent in Lucas Mazur of France in the final of men’s singles SL4. Nithya Sre Sivan took the bronze in women’s singles SH6 class, which was India’s last badminton in Paris.
Nitesh will receive a sum of Rs 15 lakh while Thulasimathi and Suhas will get Rs 10 lakh as cash rewards each. Manisha and Nithya will receive cash prize of RS 7.5 lakh each.
Thulasimathi, Manisha and Nithya made history by becoming the first Indian women shuttlers to secure medals at the Paralympics.
“Indian para badminton players have been performing consistently on the world stage and the cash rewards are just one way for BAI to recognise their efforts in helping the country win medals at the Paralympics,” BAI secretary-general Sanjay Mishra said, as reported by news agency PTI.
“BAI is committed to developing and promoting para-badminton across the country and helping these players achieve much more success and many more initiatives to develop para-badminton are being undertaken,” he added.
Nitesh Kumar doesn’t want BAI to continue as para-badminton regulation body
Just days after his Paris Paralympics gold medal, Nitesh Kumar requested the Sports Ministry to transfer the management of para-badminton in India from BAI to the Paralympics Committee of India (PCI), citing lack of responsibility from the national federation.
“Irrespective of the social media appreciation from BAI (which is very rare), we the athletes are highly dissatisfied with the response & the interest from BAI regarding Para badminton responsibilities. We sincerely request BAI & SAI (sports authority) to hand over para badminton to PCI (Paralympic Committee of India),” Nitesh wrote on his X.
The badminton body of India responded to the para shuttler’s grievances and promised to get in touch with the shuttlers to break the ice.
“BAI is working on a concrete plan for Para badminton & its future growth. Each of the medallists, coaches & staff will be hearing from us personally to understand, get insight on the action plan which is not alone about celebrating the success but long-term projects,” BAI responded to Nitesh’s post on X.
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