What Are the Impacts of the Increased Prize Money & Grants for Nationals and Ranking Tournaments by BAI?
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Synopsis
The Badminton Association of India has launched an ambitious annual plan with a budget of Rs 9.75 crore aimed at nurturing and developing badminton talent across India. This initiative not only increases financial support for national tournaments but also elevates player motivation through strategic investments, ensuring a promising future for the sport.
Key Takeaways
- BAI has announced an annual budget of Rs 9.75 crore for talent development.
- Rs 2.22 crore is allocated to enhance player motivation for international competitions.
- Prize money for national ranking tournaments has been doubled.
- Annual grants to state associations have increased from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
- Cash rewards will be given to international medalists and junior champions.
New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a comprehensive annual strategy involving an investment of Rs 9.75 crore aimed at identifying, nurturing, and developing talent nationwide. Additionally, Rs 2.22 crore has been allocated to motivate players for outstanding performances at prestigious international competitions, marking a strategic investment exceeding Rs 10 crore.
This new financial commitment will enhance grassroots engagement, support state associations, encourage former players to transition into coaching roles, and reward those who achieve international success—all while differentiating domestic tournament prize money.
According to the resolutions made during the AGM, BAI plans to invest more than Rs 9.75 crore annually in grassroots initiatives and assist state associations in organizing domestic competitions. The overall prize pool and grant allocation for the national tournament now stands at Rs 3.8 crore, as confirmed by the BAI.
Furthermore, BAI will provide Rs 1 lakh monthly to Olympians and Rs 50,000 monthly to coaches who have represented the Indian team in international events and are currently involved in coaching at National Camps located across three sites.
As the only national sports federation to implement such a robust structural investment, BAI has established a solid foundation with initiatives such as the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati.
"However, considering the size of our nation, a single NCE was insufficient. Therefore, we are granting funds to state associations to enhance development efforts across states, and the current increase in funding will help them improve their existing programs," stated the BAI president following the AGM.
Starting this year, the annual grant to state associations has risen from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, with the prize money for national ranking competitions for all age categories also being doubled.
BAI will provide additional grants of Rs 1.5 lakh for U-13 events, Rs 2 lakh each for Senior and U-19 ranking tournaments, and Rs 3 lakh for organisers of Under-15 and Under-17 All India ranking events.
The total investment across all National Championships has also been increased by over 50%, encouraging state associations to host more national-level competitions.
Commenting on the hike in prize money for national ranking tournaments, Sarma emphasized that addressing the requirements of emerging players, motivating them, and offering better financial incentives is vital for the sport's development and shaping its future path.
From now on, senior national ranking tournaments will feature a prize pool of Rs 10 lakh, U-19 national ranking events Rs 8 lakh, U-15 and U-17 national ranking Rs 12 lakh, and U-13 national ranking competitions will offer Rs 6 lakh.
The total grants and prize money for all National Championships have also risen from Rs 2.13 crore to Rs 3.2 crore.
The governing body also resolved to introduce significant cash rewards for players excelling on the international stage. A player or pair winning the BWF World Tour Super 1000 title will receive Rs 10,00,000, while a world championships gold medallist will earn Rs 20,00,000 for their dedication and excellence.
Even junior players stand to gain handsome rewards for medal wins at the world and Asian championships, with gold medalists receiving the highest prize of Rs 15,00,000 and Rs 10,00,000, respectively.
A gold medal in senior team events will yield a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh, while junior teams will receive Rs 30 lakh.
Point of View
I believe that the Badminton Association of India's recent decisions demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering talent and enhancing the sport's infrastructure in the country. This investment aligns with our national vision of promoting sports and empowering youth, ensuring that India remains competitive on the global stage in badminton.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment made by BAI?
The total investment made by BAI is Rs 9.75 crore, along with additional allocations for player incentives.
How much prize money has been allocated for national ranking tournaments?
The prize money for national ranking tournaments has been doubled, with senior tournaments featuring a prize pool of Rs 10 lakh.
What support does BAI provide for state associations?
BAI has increased the annual grant to state associations from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh to support their developmental programs.
What rewards are available for international medalists?
Players winning the BWF World Tour Super 1000 title will receive Rs 10 lakh, while world championships gold medalists will get Rs 20 lakh.
What funding has been provided for grassroots initiatives?
BAI has committed over Rs 9.75 crore annually for grassroots initiatives and support for state associations in conducting tournaments.
