‘Telling the nation that I obtained cash is ridiculous’: Ashwini Ponnappa expresses shock over SAI doc | Paris Olympics 2024 Information – Occasions of India

‘Telling the nation that I obtained cash is ridiculous’: Ashwini Ponnappa expresses shock over SAI doc | Paris Olympics 2024 Information – Occasions of India

NEW DELHI: Ashwini Ponnappa, a outstanding Indian doubles badminton participant, expressed her disappointment on Tuesday relating to the dearth of particular person monetary help from the sports activities ministry as she ready for the Paris Olympics. She additionally talked about that her request for a coach was rejected previous to the not too long ago concluded Video games.
The Sports activities Authority of India (SAI) launched a doc outlining the monetary help given to Indian athletes certain for Paris.Based on the doc, Ashwini obtained Rs 4,50,000 underneath TOPS and Rs 1,48,04,080 underneath Annual calender for Coaching and Competitors (ACTC), which included the procurement of Recreation Prepared restoration tools, worldwide competitions and sparring associate.
Regardless of the monetary help talked about within the SAI doc, Ponnappa felt that the person help supplied to her was inadequate, particularly contemplating the importance of the Olympic Video games. The denial of her request for a coach additional added to her issues in regards to the stage of help she obtained throughout her preparations for the celebrated occasion.
“I am completely shocked.. I do not thoughts not getting cash however telling the nation that I obtained cash is ridiculous. I have never obtained it. Like for those who’re speaking about nationwide camp, then that 1.5 Crore is spent on all of the campers,” Ashwini advised PTI.
“I haven’t got a particular coach. As for my personalised coach, I am paying for him myself. I am not taking cash from anybody. I’ve performed by myself till November (2023). I used to be included as a part of TOPS solely after we certified…”
Ashwini, 34, has established herself as a number one Indian doubles participant. Her spectacular achievements embrace securing a gold medal within the Commonwealth Video games 2010, a silver in 2014, and a bronze in 2018.
Along with her Commonwealth Video games successes, Ashwini has represented India on the grandest stage, having participated in each the London and Rio Olympics alongside her associate, Jwala Gutta.
Detailing the Rs 1.48 crore spending, a SAI supply mentioned: “The Rs 1.48 crore has been spent on her on journey, keep, meals, competitors charge, DA in all of the competitions that she participated in as a part of the Indian workforce within the Paris cycle.
“This cash is given to BAI as a part of ACTC.”
Ashwini, who partnered with N Sikki Reddy till August 2022, teamed up with Tanisha Crasto in December of that 12 months. They started competing in worldwide tournaments from January 2023.
A string of sturdy performances secured their qualification for the Paris Olympics, resulting in their inclusion within the TOPS scheme in Could this 12 months.
“The ministry has at all times supported me. I have been a part of the workforce for years and I am grateful for the help I’ve obtained,” Ashwini mentioned.
“The final 12 months I have never been supported and it is okay. However you may’t say I have been given Rs 1.5 crore, if it is over 4 years, truthful sufficient. As I used to be TOPS after I was partnering Sikki.”
Competing in her third Olympics, Ashwini was left in tears after she and her associate Tanisha didn’t win a single match, leading to an early and unceremonious exit from the group stage.
“I have never performed properly, no matter the coach not being there, I take duty for that. However you may’t say I am getting this quantity after I have not even obtained this quantity,” she mentioned.